PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE on Finance for Nature

Explore how finance can support a sustainable future for our planet

IUCN Academy introduces its Professional Certificate on Finance for Nature designed to provide professionals from all backgrounds and sectors with research-informed and practice-infused skills required to navigate the broad spectrum of the finance-nature ecosystem.

Join this course to identify how the Nature-Finance Nexus is relevant to your organisation and develop a personal project (a policy, a product or a campaign) to kick-start change towards a nature-positive future.

About this course

Biodiversity is an indispensable component of life-support systems, but its importance has been neglected to a point that, on some estimates, one million species are now threatened with extinction, raising the spectre of a 6th mass extinction. To curb this trend, efforts have been made to translate the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation in financial terms. One such estimate suggests that USD 44 trillion of economic activity generated each year is highly or moderately dependent on nature (WEF, Nature Risk Rising, 2020). That is more than 50% of global GDP.

It is therefore essential to redirect economic and financial systems towards a nature-positive future.

What’s new in the 7th edition

Updated analytical frameworks to help you analyse complex nature-finance issues, apply structured assessment methods and translate findings directly into your project work.
Refreshed examples and recent developments from the fast-evolving finance-for-nature field.
Increased focus on tools – to help you access and interpret relevant tools.
New speakers bringing perspectives from insurance, banking, ESG risk management, corporate sustainability and international policy.
Enhanced individual project guidance, to turn your learning into a credible, organisation-ready output.

As always, successful participants will be awarded the IUCN Academy Professional Certificate on Finance for Nature, a non-academic credential, recognised mark of achievement that supports professional credibility and career development.

Who should attend this course?

Financial industry professionals
Conservation professionals
Government officials
Private sector and environmental professionals
Professionals from intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations

What will you get from this course?

Understand the concept of nature as a natural capital asset
Explore the basics of the relationship between nature, the economy and finance
Recognise the drivers of nature loss and their financial implications
Identify harmful subsidies and their impact on biodiversity
Learn more about investing in nature
Access a variety of rich scientific resources on finance-nature concept

Why should you take this course?

Empowerment through knowledge: Gain insights into how finance can support a nature-positive future, equipping yourself with the necessary skills to navigate the Nature-Finance Nexus.
Addressing urgent environmental challenges: Contribute to addressing pressing environmental challenges by understanding the economic implications of biodiversity loss and learning how finance can play a pivotal role in conservation efforts.
Enhanced professional development: Develop practical skills and knowledge that are highly relevant across sectors, positioning yourself as a leader in sustainable finance and conservation.
Networking opportunities: Connect with professionals from diverse backgrounds, including finance, conservation, government, and NGOs, to foster collaborations and expand your professional network.
Industry recognition: Earn a Professional Certificate from the IUCN Academy, validating your expertise and commitment to advancing finance for nature conservation.