Toward transformation in finance: seeds of nature-positive futures

Current global economic activity is driving unprecedented nature loss. There is increasing recognition of the need to shift how economic activity is funded and organized to reverse nature loss, and this has led to a new focus on “finance for nature.” In this study we collect finance “seeds of good Anthropocenes,” existing initiatives that aim to connect funding and nature, and then analyze and compare these novel approaches and alternative ways to “finance nature.” Using a select number of these “seeds,” we use transformation theory to analyze the theory of change underpinning each seed and the Nature Futures Framework to identify each seed’s conceptualization of nature values. The study reveals that there is a diversity of approaches to change and financing nature among seeds, although most seeds rely on market-based mechanisms and are generally leaning toward the nature for society as a core value perspective. More experimentation is possible and needed with regards to non-market-based mechanisms, different ownership and governance structures, and incorporating perspectives that see nature’s value for nature’s sake or intertwined with culture. Existing seeds provide a template for future initiatives, and further studies of these seeds would help identify how the risks and benefits of different types of financial initiatives vary across contexts.