Who Really Benefits? Balancing Risks and Rewards in Nature-Based Solutions
The Institute for Development Impact is thrilled to organize a panel discussion as a part of the D.C. Climate Week. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are often described as triple wins—for climate, communities, and corporations. But behind this optimistic framing are real trade-offs. NBS can bring long-term environmental and economic benefits, but they often come with short-term costs.
Those risks and rewards are not always shared equally. While companies and donors may benefit from improved supply chains, carbon credits, and climate outcomes, farmers may wait years to see returns. Global markets often dictate commodity prices, leaving little room for producers to absorb additional costs or experiment with new practices. For subsistence smallholders, tight financial margins and immediate livelihood needs make it difficult to take on short-term risks with the promise of long-term rewards.
This discussion will explore the realities of current NBS and how they can be designed to better account for trade-offs and create value for all stakeholders.
Panelists
Virginia Gorsevski, Managing Director, Natural Climate Solutions, Conservation International
Maxwell McGrath-Horn, Principal, Magnitude Global Finance
Sarah Hertel, Ph.D., NDC Enhancement Knowledge Specialist, NDC Partnership
Amy E. Daniels, Ph.D., Unit Leader for Nature Based Solutions, USDA Forest Service
Felipe Casarim, NCS Manager, BP
Key Discussion Points
Distribution of Risks and Benefits: Explore how the risks and benefits of NBS are distributed among stakeholders, particularly focusing on local communities versus large corporations. Explore what are the mechanisms to ensure smallholders and local communities receive a fair share of the profits and benefits derived from NBS projects. Discuss strategies for developing cross-sectoral frameworks that distribute risks more equitably, protecting those least capable of bearing them.
Impact Measurement and Transparency: Consider the challenges in measuring the socio-economic and environmental impacts of NBS. Delve into how different sectors can contribute to developing robust metrics and ensuring transparency and accountability in NBS projects.
Funding Models for NBS: Discuss the existing financial models supporting NBS and the potential for innovative funding approaches. Evaluate how these models can attract sustainable investments while ensuring that financial gains are distributed fairly among all stakeholders, especially focusing on funding structures that benefit grassroots participants.
The panel discussion will be followed by a 1-hour workshop on nature-based solutions and then by a networking happy hour.
Agenda
2:30 - 4:00 PM ET Panel Discussion
4:00 - 5:15 PM ET Workshop (Registration Link: Here)
5:15 - 7:30 PM ET Happy Hour (Registration Link: Here)
Attendees are not obliged but are encouraged to stay for the full duration.
By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of DC Climate Week.