Ecosystem Restoration Fund as an innovative financing initiative

The IKI supports the Ecosystem Restoration Fund, which is intended to promote the protection of tropical forests in Guatemala. The fund was introduced to the public for the first time at the Global Landscapes Forum.

The IKI project Development of business models for cooperation with the private sector as a instrument for socially acceptable restoration of near-natural forests, implemented by the Tropical Forest Foundation OroVerde in cooperation with local partner organisations, focuses on involving private-sector finance and improving the political framework. At the same time, biodiverse agro-forestry systems and the development of sustainable value chains with the local communities bordering conservation areas are supported at base level. The Ecosytem Restoration Fund as a financing mechanism emerged from this triad.

The trust fund mobilises public and private funds and promotes methods for sustainable ecological farming and production. It was initiated by the partner organisation of the IKI project “Defensores de la Naturaleza” (FDN) with the support of OroVerde.

The first step taken towards the public leads straight into the “Dragon's Den”

The Ecosystem Restoration Fund was introduced to the public for the first time on 13th July 2023 by the Managing Director of the “Defensores de la Naturaleza” Foundation, Javier Márquez, at the online event “Finance for Nature Digital Forum: Investment in a Just Future in Latin America and the Caribbean”. In a format following the TV show “Dragons' Den”, known in Germany as “Die Höhle des Löwen” (“The Lion's Den”), he explained the objectives and planned effects of the fund, answered the critical questions of a jury of potential investors, and received valuable feedback.

Focus on local experts

The presentation took place as part of the Global Landscapes Forum “Finance for Future Digital Forum”. The Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) is the world's largest knowledge-based platform for integrated land use, which connects people with a common vision to create productive, profitable, just and resilient landscapes. It is also promoted by the IKI, among other organisations.

The “Finance for Future Digital Forum”, enabled local experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities of sustainable investments in the region. Topics included, amongst others, recognition of the rights of the indigenous population, compatibility of funding mechanisms with traditional and local knowledge, and suitable funding mechanisms for local producers and companies.

All in all, the event explained how nature-based solutions can be successful by means of mutual relationships between humans and nature.
 
For further information, please refer to www.globallandscapesforum.org