Report from field study in Brazil week 3

Financing restoration and conversation

In the light of the current continuous meeting of COP16 that takes place in Rome 22-27 February 2025, one of the biggest challenges in biodiversity conservation remains: How do we finance restoration and conservation efforts? Should governments bear the full responsibility? Should the private sector step up? Or should funding rely on philanthropy and voluntary contributions?

During COP 16 in Cali, Colombia last year the financial mechanisms that can be used regarding the critical irreversible biodiversity loss and how to advance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)  meaning that 30% of the land and oceans should be protected by 2030 - were discussed.

A crucial part of this is ensuring the necessary funding to make these commitments a reality. UNEP FI mobilized its global network of financial institutions to emphasize the critical role of finance in biodiversity conservation, focusing on integrating biodiversity considerations into financial portfolios, exploring innovative financing mechanisms, and mobilizing investment for nature.

The fact that a second COP16 session (COP16.2) is needed highlights just how complex and urgent this issue is. But while the challenges are significant, so is the momentum—driving the conversation forward is essential to securing a sustainable future for our planet.

The rich biodiversity and challenges in the Atlantic Forest

Last week we had the opportunity to visit a restoration and conservation alliance called @ARAÇÁ that aims to conduct research on the Atlantic Forest. The forest today is a dark biodiversity spot which means that there are a lot of undiscovered types of flora, fauna and fungi in the area. 

The Atlantic Forest is one of the most threatened forests in the world today with only 8%of its original state remaining, this is partly due to infrastructure development, agriculture and settlements. Today 70% of the Brazilian population is living in the Atlantic Forest area (TNC). The forest itself plays a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services, including clean air, climate regulation, soil protection, pollination, food, medicinal resources, and clean water. Notably, 60% of Brazil’s population depends on water sourced from the Atlantic Forest (WWF), highlighting its critical importance. Despite this, less than 2% of the entire biome is currently under formal protection (TNC), emphasizing the urgent need for strengthened conservation efforts.

Restoration could happen fast with the right conditions

It was a privilege to walk in the forest with biologists that showed us the remarkable biodiversity that only a trained eye could detect. Whenever we stopped, they could spot several different insects, plants, frogs and birds. In the middle of the rainforest there was degraded land that once was used for kettle production. We learnt that the forest could restore itself in only 30 years if it was let alone. With some help, it could go as fast as 20 years, provided there was a healthy surrounding ecosystem to support its recovery. We were made aware that there are challenges due to the lack of property rights. It can be unclear who owns a piece of land which can lead to uncertainty and lack of investments. 

However, it was really inspiring to see the efforts being made to restore and protect the Atlantic Forest, showing that with the right support and initiatives, the forest can thrive again and keep benefiting both nature and people.

Jennie Utterberg and Hanna Kysela
Master students, School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg