How BIOFIN is tackling the biodiversity finance gap

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Today, I’m joined by Abbie Trinidad, Anabelle Plantilla, and Niran Nirannoot from the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN), a UNDP-led programme now active in 131 countries. In this conversation, we explore how BIOFIN is tackling the biodiversity finance gap through practical ecotourism and conservation finance models in the Philippines and Thailand. We discuss community-led approaches in Sibalom Natural Park, tourist user charges and coral reef restoration on Koh Tao, and mangrove conservation in Phetchaburi. Along the way, we examine what it takes to attract private sector interest into biodiversity projects, the importance of policy and local institutions, and why conservation is increasingly an economic issue as much as an environmental one.

"Conservation is not just an environmental issue, it is actually an economic one" - Anabelle

00:05 – Intro & BIOFIN guests 00:36 – Favourite trees (icebreaker) 01:48 – What is BIOFIN? 05:53 – Why private investment matters 07:56 – Biodiversity investment opportunities 09:13 – Philippines: Sibalom Natural Park 12:11 – Community ecotourism model 18:36 – Early biodiversity outcomes 23:15 – Carbon credits & policy gaps 29:24 – Thailand: Koh Tao case 32:29 – Tourist fee & fintech system 39:00 – Impact: waste & coral recovery 42:03 – Mangroves, co-investment & carbon 48:36 – Key challenges & investor mindset 52:55 – Final takeaway: nature as investment

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay) Sign 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.