Nature Finance on the Rise - with Jessica Smith

Today, I speak with Jessica Smith, Head of Nature at UNEP Finance Initiative, about the growing private sector interest in nature finance. She highlights the need for a common taxonomy to reduce investment hesitancy and notes that timberland remains a key nature-positive option for institutional investors. We explore the investment gap between the Global North and South, strategies for stakeholder engagement in areas with unclear tenure rights, and how to phase capital across a project’s life cycle. Jessica concludes with a strong call to eliminate deforestation from investment portfolios.Important links:Finance for Nature Positive paperPRB Sector guidance for forestry, agriculture, and miningShort article on this guidanceFinance roadmapCali Card ReportManaging biodiversity risk exposure? Do investors care about biodiversity? UNEP Finance InitiativeJessica Smith on LinkedInFavorite tree: EucalyptusProduction teamHost: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLinkProducer and editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted CreativesDetails01:04Jessica’s background and work03:04Key lessons for nature from global events05:18Finance for nature positive09:04Principles for responsible banking specter action guidance for agricultural, forestry, mining sectors11:12How to  get private investment in nature-based assets15:31Strategies to be nature positive in timber-focus investment21:54What should asset managers look out for? Red flags27:44Importance of data collection32:34Blended finance36:12Attract impact capital & investors as ecosystems in themselves38:53Nature on climate COP agenda 2025 – eliminate deforestation, invest in nature positive solution40:20Actionable adviceSound libraryNature by MaxKoMusic/SoundcloudSopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/SoundcloudSign up now for the ForestLink’s newsletter, where you’ll receive technical advice, reflections, and best-practice guidance to support you with your forest-linked investment strategy or business straight to your inbox. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.