Overview

Nature is the frontline protection from disaster, and more than half of global GDP is dependent on ecosystem services. But nature is under threat, declining at a staggering rate. Extreme weather, disasters, pollution, deforestation and overfishing are having catastrophic impacts on ecosystems and the local communities that depend on the natural assets they provide. To protect households, communities and economies, nature needs to be protected.

UNDP is rethinking the relationship between finance, insurance and nature protection as a virtuous circle that can and must secure a sustainable future for generations to come. By investing in nature protection and restoration, nature-dependent businesses, communities and countries can benefit from the natural buffers that ecosystems provide against severe weather, as well as the essential economic value of these ecosystems.

UNDP’s offer

UNDP is using multi-stakeholder processes and financing mechanisms to protect and restore ecosystems through nature-related insurance products. Insurance Innovation Challenges are generating new solutions, while UNDP’s partnership with BIOFIN (the Biodiversity Finance Initiative) is working to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and UNDP’s work with insurance industry stakeholders is protecting sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs.

Where we
work

Ensuring financial protection for nature and biodiversity

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The boundaries and names shown and the designations on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. 

Our Projects

UNDP is generating a virtuous cycle of healthy ecosystems and communities

Coral reef