“We talk about the dual crises of the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis but there is a third crisis - the debt crisis.  Too often, those on the front lines of dealing with the adverse effects of a warming planet and nature loss must grapple with the vicious cycle of debt and rebuilding. Too many countries are one storm away from catastrophe. Thankfully, there are tools to help address these needs. The Nature Conservancy and others already have a proven track record of success and now, with the launch of this Coalition, we are building not only the standards and practices, but the ability to go further, faster, together. No one organization can do it alone and we must pave the way and work along side governments, local communities, and civil society to finance and achieve durable conservation and climate outcomes.”

“While nations are united behind the 30x30 goal, many countries struggle to fund conservation. Leveraging the power of collaboration, the Coalition can help countries to unlock and scale innovative finance solutions that deliver a healthier, more resilient environment for both people and nature.”

“We need to mobilize finance at the scale required to curb the slow-motion catastrophe of nature loss and climate change. And we need finance to supercharge other conservation mechanisms like Project Finance for Permanence and provide durability to protected areas worldwide. This Coalition throws a grappling hook into market-based mechanisms and financial vehicles that will transform sovereign debt into funding for conservation. Key to our success is partnership and accountability—this Coalition designs for both with a focus on improving the lives of local communities.”

“Re:wild is proud to be part of a coalition that is leading an innovative strategy to mobilize funding for conservation. This is critical to help ensure that countries, local communities and Indigenous communities protect the most important places for the planet to the benefit of all life on Earth.”

“When Conservation International pioneered the first debt-for-nature swap in 1987, we never imagined what it would one day become. What was once an outside-the-box idea is now a foundational tool for protecting and restoring nature, unlocking billions of dollars for our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems. As these swaps continue to grow in frequency and ambition, this new guidance will ensure that deals meet today’s needs while meeting to the same rigorous standards of quality that have sustained their success over decades.”

“Sovereign debt conversions are one of the largest potential sources of funding to help achieve the global climate and nature goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while also offering unparalleled return on invested philanthropy.  Furthermore, debt conversions result in a win-win-win for governments, local communities, and nature by reducing a country’s overall debt burden, providing resources for economic development for local communities, and by unlocking funding to conserve a country’s most vital ecosystems.  My congratulations to all those who helped make this Coalition a reality, and my thanks to our partners both in and outside of the Coalition for their support and collaboration on the exciting journey ahead.”

“Sovereign debt conversions are one of the best near-term opportunities to mobilize funding towards protecting some of our most vulnerable landscapes while developing sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities—but achieving their full potential will require new and different ways of collaborating. Building on our work with Enduring Earth, the ZOMA Foundation was proud to play a leadership and convening role in bringing together this group of NGOs and is excited to see the results of their work together.”