From Project Origination to Financing Nature-based Solutions; Building Bridges 2025

This session will take participants on a journey from project origination to innovative financing. It will focus on the practical steps required to develop and fund NbS projects—starting with pre-feasibility assessments and moving toward blended and catalytic finance. Real-world case studies from diverse geographies will illustrate challenges and breakthroughs.

Designed as a fishbowl discussion, the session encourages active participation from the audience, who will have the opportunity to rotate into the panel and share insights, questions, and experiences. The conversation will be moderated by Juraj Jurik, Director of Infrastructure and Nature at Global Infrastructure Basel (GIB) Foundation and will bring together perspectives from project developers, investors, the private sector, and philanthropy.

Objectives:

• Illustrate the full NbS investment journey from early concept to finance.
• Identify enabling conditions and partnerships needed to make NbS investable.
• Showcase innovative finance instruments and blended finance approaches.
• Foster peer learning through interactive discussion.
• Generate actionable insights and next-step collaboration opportunities.

Moderator:

• Juraj Jurík, Director, Infrastructure and Nature  - Global Infrastructure Basel Foundation (GIB)

Speakers:

• David Uzsoki, Sustainable Finance Lead  - International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
• Boris van Zanten, Disaster Risk Management Specialist at the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR)  - The World Bank
• Ilona Szabó de Carvalho, Co-Founder and President  - Igarapé Institute
• Santiago Espinosa de los Monteros Harispuru, CEO - Toroto

Event website