Follow Hanna and Jennie in Brazil exploring the role finance can play for biodiversity
During five weeks in February and March 2025, two master´s students at the University of Gothenburg will explore the role finance can play in conserving and restoring biodiversity in Brazil. For their joint master thesis, Hanna Kysela and Jennie Utterberg will conduct a field study at the ARAÇÁ project and through interviews with different stakeholders from various sectors aim to deepen their understanding for conservation and restoration of tropical forest and how financial strategies work in practice.
The conservation and restoration of ecosystems are essential to combat the biodiversity crisis, as species are disappearing at an alarming rate due to human activities, threatening environmental stability and future generations. Addressing this crisis requires significant financial resources, yet there is an estimated annual funding gap of $700 billion for biodiversity conservation and restoration. Currently, most funding comes from public sources, but the private sector plays a crucial role in bridging this gap. How can private investments be mobilized? What innovative financial mechanisms are needed? How can blended finance be leveraged to scale conservation efforts? These are questions we would like to explore in our thesis work.
We are both very excited about this opportunity and learning experience and are looking forward to sharing our journey with Biopath.
Jennie Utterberg and Hanna Kysela, reporting from their field work in Brazil.
Hanna Kysela https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-kysela-542a60263/
I am in my final year of a master’s degree in finance at the School of Business, Economics, and Law at the University of Gothenburg. During my first year I had an internship in Rwanda where my interest for blended finance grew. I've also had an exchange semester in Peru. Both countries are dependent on agriculture and are highly affected by climate change.
For as long as I can remember, I have had an interest in nature - and to understand the complex interactions between different species and ecosystems. It is truly captivating how everything is connected from the smallest insect to the biggest mammal. Over time, I have come to realize the crucial role finance plays in driving sustainable change. Now that I have the opportunity to combine my degree with one of my big interests, I couldn´t be more excited!
Jennie Utterberg
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-utterberg/
I am currently pursuing my master’s in Economics at the Business School of Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. During my studies, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a research assistant in policy and health economics, as well as spend an exchange semester in Brussels. Both experiences have strengthened my ability to analyze economic challenges from a global perspective and apply knowledge in diverse, real-world settings.
What I love about economics is how it is linked to almost everything. I have a strong passion for global challenges, such as tackling biodiversity loss, and applying my economic knowledge to this field is something I truly enjoy and look forward to.
I also have a passion for traveling and experiencing different cultures. With Brazil being the fifth largest country in the world, I bet I will experience a lot and I'm excited about immersing myself in its diverse cultural landscape!