INSIDERS | Pleading the business case for urban nature-based solutions
How can cities mobilise the finance needed to scale up Nature-based Solutions? This question was at the centre of the latest NATURANCE Insiders seminar, which examined global practices and emerging strategies to strengthen the business case for urban NbS.
The event, titled “Financing Nature: Pleading the business case for urban nature-based solutions – Lessons from Global Practice“, was organised by the CityTransitions, that is an online platform on urban development, implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Cities worldwide are increasingly turning to NbS to address climate challenges such as flooding, heatwaves, and biodiversity loss, with NbS expected to contribute up to 30% of the climate solution by 2030. Beyond their environmental value, NbS provide significant social and economic benefits, from improved public health to enhanced urban liveability.
The session explored innovative financing approaches and investment pathways, drawing on practical insights from NetworkNature, NATURANCE, the Sustainable Finance Observatory, the Climate Finance Facility (CFF), and the Gap Fund. Speakers highlighted how ecological, social, and financial considerations can be aligned to unlock capital for urban nature.
Agenda
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Setting the Scene – Financing NbS
Ingrid Coetzee (Director for Biodiversity, Nature & Health at ICLEI Africa and the ICLEI Cities Biodiversity Center) opened the session by outlining current financing gaps and the opportunities for cities to embed NbS into long-term adaptation and development strategies. -
Guest Presentations
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Daniela Rizzi (NATURANCE & NetworkNature)
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Rahel Hermann (Climate Finance Facility)
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Asil Abuassba (Gap Fund)
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Yulia Rubleva (UNEP)
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Emilie Maehara (Sustainable Finance Observatory)
Speakers shared concrete case studies and emerging mechanisms — from blended finance to early-stage project preparation support — illustrating how cities can attract investment and strengthen the financial viability of NbS.
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Moderation
The discussion was moderated by Clemens Heukrodt (GIZ, SP Cities), who guided an engaging exchange on barriers, opportunities, and lessons learned across global contexts.
This event offered policymakers, urban planners, financiers, and practitioners actionable insights on how to design, fund, and scale nature-based solutions that deliver resilient, inclusive, and future-proof cities.