Finance, forests and First Nations: Partners chart a nature-positive future at International Development Week 2026

February 26, 2026 - 20:25

Ottawa, Canada, February 2026 — A powerful coalition of climate practitioners, Indigenous leaders, investors, and policymakers convened this week with a unified mission: to transform innovative nature-based solutions into mainstream, financially viable models that deliver ecological and community benefits.

The gathering highlighted the critical intersection of finance, forest stewardship, and First Nations knowledge. A central theme was the urgent need to move beyond small-scale pilot projects. Participants focused on creating the frameworks and financial instruments necessary to scale up initiatives like forest conservation, wetland restoration, and sustainable agriculture. The dialogue emphasized that for these solutions to be truly sustainable, they must be investable, generating returns for both ecosystems and local economies.

Crucially, the discussions placed Indigenous leadership at the heart of the nature-positive future. First Nations representatives underscored their role as essential partners and knowledge-holders, advocating for models that recognize their rights, title, and centuries of land stewardship. The consensus was clear: successful, large-scale implementation of nature-based solutions depends on equitable partnerships that integrate traditional ecological knowledge with contemporary finance and policy.

The event served as a significant step in building the collaborative networks required to channel global capital toward projects that protect biodiversity, store carbon, and support resilient communities. The path forward demands innovative financial mechanisms designed to ensure long-term inclusivity and environmental integrity.