BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 22. Financing
nature-based projects requires a systemic approach, including
project preparation, standardization, and the use of blended
finance instruments, said Gianpiero Nacci, Managing Director for
Climate Strategy and Delivery at the European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) during the Regional
Ecological Summit in Astana, Trend reports.
“In many cases, it is very difficult to build a strong
commercial case. Bankability depends on a solid commercial
foundation,” Nacci said.
He also pointed to the lack of harmonized standards and data in
the market.
“There is an issue of standardization — from due diligence
packages to certification and sustainability standards. The market
is not harmonized,” he noted.
Nacci stressed the importance of predictable policy frameworks
and clear signals from policymakers, outlining three main pillars
of the EBRD’s proposed approach.
“The idea of the partnership is built around three key
priorities. First, project origination — identifying projects that
deliver nature-positive outcomes. Second, project preparation,
ensuring projects speak the same language as investors. Third, the
use of blended finance instruments, including concessional funding,
to make projects viable and implementable,” he said.
He highlighted a significant global financing gap in the
biodiversity sector.
“Financing needs for biodiversity are estimated at $90–700
billion per year, while actual flows are around $200 billion,”
Nacci said.
At the same time, he warned that large-scale financial flows
continue to support nature-negative activities.
“Financial flows into nature-negative activities are estimated
at $5–7 trillion per year,” he added.
Nacci also underlined EBRD cooperation with Uzbekistan, where
the bank is supporting the development of an integrated agri-food
platform aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and related
infrastructure.
