UNEP FI offers a range of practical entry points for banks and insurers to move from ambition to action on nature. Through structured communities, capacity‑building programmes, technical tools, and peer learning, financial institutions can strengthen their understanding of nature‑related risks and opportunities, align with global frameworks such as the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and embed nature considerations into core business strategies, risk management, and financial decision‑making.
Nature-related risks are highly localised, often occurring at the subnational level rather than where financial institutions are headquartered. This means risk assessments are most meaningful when they incorporate value chain insights and asset-specific location data from the regional level. UNEP FI members are encouraged to talk to their regional coordinators for more information on regional ways to get involved on nature. Access the regional pages here.
Highlighting some of the engagement opportunities for banks and insurers
The PRB nature community
The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) nature community is a capacity‑building programme designed for PRB signatories that are beginning to integrate biodiversity considerations into their strategies and business activities, in line with the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
This structured learning journey guides participants through essential topics at the intersection of biodiversity and banking, including the business case for nature, portfolio‑level impacts and dependencies, and opportunities for product and service innovation.
UNEP FI members can join the community, access past sessions, or learn more about the programme on the UNEP FI members area.
The Risk Centre research programme on nature risk management
UNEP FI’s Risk Centre enables banks to work together on the development of technical resources that support the integration of nature into risk‑management frameworks and decision‑making.
Through deep‑dive research programmes, practical tools, peer learning and discussions with regulators, academics and tool providers, banks gain a more operational understanding of how physical nature risks affect portfolios, clients, and business models, and how these risks can be addressed within existing risk processes.
Read more and get involved here.
The PSI working group for nature
This multi-stakeholder platform brings together members of the Principles for Sustianable Insurance (PSI) and technical advisors to develop strategies, technical guidance, and innovative approaches on nature-related finance in insurance underwriting.
The group also supports insurers in integrating nature and biodiversity into risk and investment decisions, and in developing insurance solutions that incentivize conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Contact us to learn more or get involved.
UNEP FI members can explore the full work programme on nature in the UNEP FI via the members area. Banks and insurers interested in joining UNEP FI, can find more information and contact details here.