Triodos Bank announced its commitment to provide at least EUR 500 million in investments, loans and contributions to the nature-based solutions sector by the end of 2030 as part of its biodiversity targets. This initiative underscores Triodos Bank’s dedication to addressing the urgent need for nature restoration and conservation, removal of CO2 emissions from the atmosphere and providing societal benefits.
Nature-based solutions involve working with nature to address societal challenges, providing benefits for human well-being, biodiversity and the climate. They encompass conservation, restoration and sustainable management of both natural and semi-natural ecosystems such as agriculture, as well as the establishment of new ecosystems in human-modified environments, like urban areas.
Nature-based projects are designed to boost biodiversity while delivering a range of ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water purification and soil fertility. Our new whitepaper ‘Financing the Nature-based Solutions Sector’ describes the potential range of Nature-based Solution projects and how they should be financed in a holistic and sustainable manner.
Jacco Minnaar, Chief Commercial Officer of Triodos Bank said: “Investing in nature-based solutions is crucial for restoring our natural environment and mitigating the effects of the climate crisis. At Triodos Bank, we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating that sustainable finance can drive positive environmental and societal impact.
“Our dedication is evident in our emphasis on five interconnected transition themes: energy, food, resources, societal and wellbeing. By focusing on these themes, we strive to develop a comprehensive approach to sustainability that benefits the environment while also improving the quality of life for communities around the globe.”
Humans rely on nature for wellbeing and survival, with biodiversity playing a key role in ensuring ecosystems remain healthy and resilient. These ecosystems provide essential services like pollination of food crops, natural water treatment and fertile soil. Unfortunately, human activity – deforestation, overexploitation, and pollution – has led to significant biodiversity loss. WWF estimates in the latest Living Planet Report (2024) that we have lost 73% of all wildlife vertebrates, highlighting the dire state of nature.
Triodos Bank has identified biodiversity as a material impact and its biodiversity targets reflect the responsibility that we feel as a steward of nature, as explained in its white papers ‘Biodiversity, beyond risk and return’ (2022) and ‘Nature in the Balance’ (2024). The company has also signed the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge and the UN Principles for Responsible Banking.
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