The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) has launched two key collaborations to drive market adoption of nature-related financial disclosures, building on discussions from the 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting and insights from the 2025 Global Risks Report, where environmental threats remain the foremost concern.
The first partnership, with the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) Initiative, aims to enhance capacity-building for stock exchanges, equipping them to support issuers in adopting the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) recommendations. The second, in collaboration with the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), seeks to prepare banks, insurers, investors, and businesses for integrating nature-related financial disclosures into their decision-making processes. These initiatives will provide market clarity and practical tools to align the financial system with nature-positive objectives.
These efforts contribute to achieving the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, aiming to close the biodiversity financing gap, with a target of $20 billion annually by 2025 and $30 billion by 2030. Supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), these partnerships reinforce a commitment to global biodiversity conservation and sustainable finance.
Enhancing Market Clarity involves developing guidance for stock exchanges to facilitate the adoption of TNFD recommendations. By ensuring consistency in nature-related disclosures, this initiative aims to provide investors and stakeholders with clearer insights into environmental risks and opportunities, fostering greater transparency and accountability across financial markets.
Addressing Local and Global Risks requires leveraging insights from the 2025 Global Risks Report to formulate regional strategies, promote cross-border coordination, and encourage collective action to mitigate biodiversity challenges. This approach will help financial institutions and corporations integrate nature-related considerations into risk assessments and investment decisions more effectively.
Expanding TNFD Implementation strengthens the adoption of TNFD’s framework while incorporating the expertise of PRI, WBCSD, and SSE. By aligning with global sustainability standards, this initiative ensures that financial institutions and businesses can seamlessly integrate biodiversity considerations into their long-term strategies and operational models.
Driving Action in Emerging Markets focuses on biodiversity-rich regions that are critical to achieving global conservation goals. This initiative seeks to incorporate nature-related risks and opportunities into financial and corporate decision-making, ensuring that emerging economies can play a significant role in advancing the global sustainability agenda.
Eric Usher, Head of UNEP FI said, “By working closely with global financial players, we are ensuring that the financial sector takes an active role in advancing biodiversity goals and resilience.”
Anthony Miller, Chief Coordinator, UN SSE Initiative said, “Stock exchanges play a crucial role in driving market transparency and facilitating TNFD adoption to achieve sustainable development goals.”
David Atkin, CEO, PRI said, “This initiative is a significant step in integrating nature-related considerations into financial systems, making biodiversity a core element of responsible investment strategies.”
Angela Graham Brown, Director, Nature Action, WBCSD added, “Expanding knowledge and confidence is essential for mainstreaming nature-related financial action across industries and markets.”
With these collaborations, UNEP FI and its partners are advancing the financial sector’s role in addressing biodiversity challenges, reinforcing the intersection of sustainability and investment.
