Financing a Living Planet: Scaling Nature-First Models for Climate, Equity, and Economic Transformation
From the Amazon to the Sahel, nature is not only a casualty of the climate crisis—it is one of our greatest, and most overlooked, solutions. But to protect and restore biodiversity at scale, we need more than conservation efforts—we need to fundamentally rewire our economic systems to value and mimic nature.
This session explores a bold vision for a future where bioregional economies, nature-based solutions, and systemic investing drive both ecological regeneration and community well-being. We'll discuss how to scale the bioeconomy, eliminate harmful market incentives, and mobilize innovative finance models—from fiscal reforms to impact investing—that align economic development with planetary health. The session will also dive into how to cultivate a deeper cultural connection to nature, especially among youth, and how to lower the barriers to measuring and managing nature outcomes in business, policy, and finance.
Key Questions:
How can we design capital systems that mirror natural systems—resilient, regenerative, and decentralized?
What models are working to grow the bioeconomy in places like the Amazon and the Sahel, and what investment structures support them?
How can we reduce the cost and complexity of monitoring nature outcomes (MRV) to make them central to business and finance decisions?
What are the best strategies to foster deep connection to nature at scale, particularly among youth and in urban environments?
How can philanthropy, government, and private finance come together to finance nature-based solutions that also reduce poverty and advance Indigenous and local leadership?
This session brings together investors, funders, policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and bioeconomy innovators to imagine and build a future where nature is not a resource to be extracted—but a system to be restored, respected, and centered in every decision we make.
Session Co-Leaders
Anna Lerner leads Climate Collective, advancing sustainability and AI innovation ecosystems across sectors.
Cathy Smith builds conservation-focused partnerships and funding strategies at Global Canopy.
Evan Paul drives innovation for nature at Salesforce, with deep experience in impact tech and marine planning.
Frank Churchill is an independent sustainability consultant specializing in ESG, ethical finance, and circular economies.
Inez Stefanie supports small business growth in nature-based solutions through Supernova Equatora Capital.
James Allen co-leads Olab, guiding sustainability strategy for agri-food systems and climate challenges.
Jo Zaremba facilitates systems-based solutions for inclusive development and environmental protection.
Laura Trajber Waisbich advances climate, nature, and security through South-South cooperation at Igarapé Institute.
Paul Himmelstein supports climate-biotech operations and partnerships at Homeworld Collective.
Philipp Staudacher leads the Innovate 4 Nature portfolio, evaluating high-impact nature-positive solutions.
Tom Skirrow is CEO of Tree Aid, scaling community-based landscape restoration across Africa.
Tonthoza Uganja promotes farm-scale forestry and land restoration through Sustainable Farming Solutions.
Kevin Webb is the managing director of Superorganism, the first VC focused entirely on biodiversity-positive startups.