Impact Hub at COP16
Fostering Partnerships and Investment for a Nature-Positive Future
Welcome to the World Climate Impact Hub at COP16
World Climate Impact Hub is the meeting point of negotiations and actions, to further build “Coalitions of the Ambitious” across public-private sectors – inspired by creative networking and innovative solutions to climate change and biodiversity. At COP16, World Climate Impact Hub will brought together a series of sessions, strategic insights and curated networking across the Blue Zone, Green Zone and relevant side events, aimed at driving biodiversity action, collaboration, and investment. This concept integrated diverse but targeted sectors and stakeholders, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering innovation to address the biodiversity crisis and implement the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Thematic Areas
World Climate Impact Hub covered a number of thematic areas at COP16, including finance, technology and innovation, health, and the private sector’s role in championing biodiversity action. Central to this effort are The Climate Investment Coalition (CIC) and the Nature Investment Coalition (NIC), both of which play pivotal roles in mobilising resources and expertise to address the integration of climate and biodiversity. The Climate Investment Coalition focuses on harnessing financial markets and investment flows to fund climate resilience and mitigation projects. The Nature Investment Coalition underscores the importance of preserving and enhancing natural ecosystems as integral components of climate solutions. This coalition aims to accelerate investment in nature-based solutions, such as reforestation, wetland restoration, and sustainable land management, which not only sequester carbon but also support biodiversity and improve community livelihoods.
Where
Nature Positive Pavilion, UNCBD COP 16 Blue Zone, Cali, Colombia, Valle del Pacífico Events Center
Sessions
Thematic days at COP16 explored these themes in depth, providing a comprehensive view of how finance, technology, policy, and community engagement can intersect to create impactful climate and nature-based solutions. The discussions and collaborations fostered through the World Climate Impact Hub have been instrumental in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for all.
The following sessions were held at the Nature Positive Pavilion, in the Blue Zone. The Pavilion’s vision for COP16 was to create a vibrant and welcoming space for a diversity of voices to come together, to support the Nature Positive vision, and inspire the world to make peace with nature. The World Climate Foundation is a member of the Nature Positive Forum.
October 23 17.00 - 18.00
ROUNDTABLE
Accelerating Blended Finance for Emerging Markets
This collaborative discussion explored how blended finance can accelerate investment in nature and biodiversity within emerging markets. Participants included financial experts, investors and policymakers who discussed the role of public-private partnerships, concessional finance and innovative instruments like green bonds and biodiversity credits.
Moderator
Carmen Bamford
Director of Networks and Programmes, World Climate Foundation
October 24 15.30 - 16.30
ROUNDTABLE
Advancing the Circular Economy for Sustainability in Business
This session delved into how adopting circular economy principles can drive sustainability in business, while positively impacting biodiversity and nature. Industry leaders discussed key strategies for integrating these practices across the value chain, aligning with the Global Biodiversity Framework. Participants gained insight into how circular economy models can enhance supply chain resilience, reduce environmental impact and contribute to the regeneration of ecosystems.
Moderator
Marianne Kettunen
Policy and Institutions Operations Lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Details
October 27 9.00 - 10.00 Business & Biodiversity Forum
PANEL
Harnessing Nature-based Solutions through the Transition to Sustainable Farming
This session explored how the transition to sustainable farming could harness nature-based solutions and support nature recovery and resilience and adaptation at scale in agricultural and urban environments. Focusing on solutions such as soil health management, ecosystem restoration and tree planting, participants heard from experts on how these solutions can enhance productivity while protecting and restoring biodiversity and mitigating climate impacts. The session also offered practical guidance, case studies and insights on implementing these solutions to achieve both environmental and economic benefits, empowering businesses and landowners to build a sustainable future
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Moderator
Prof. Dr. Martin Stuchtey
Founder, The Landbanking Group
Speaker
Bambi Semroc
Senior VP, Center for Sustainable Land & Waters, Conservation International
Speaker
Laurent Freixe
CEO, Nestle
Speaker
Daniel Arancibia Vega Centeno
Executive Director, Latin America, Proforest
Speaker
James Thiaine
Senior Advisor, Farmer-Driven Climate Action, Kenya National Farmers' Federation
14.00 - 15.00
(Invite only) ROUNDTABLE
Amplifying Business Action for a Nature-Positive Future
This interactive session looked at the critical role of businesses in addressing both the biodiversity and climate crisis. Participants heard from business leaders who are leading the way in transforming their supply chains to be nature-positive and integrating their climate and nature strategies. They also gained practical insights into integrating nature-positive strategies across the supply chain, offering actionable steps towards sustainability and resilience.
Moderator
Karimah Hudda
Founder, illumine.earth
18.30 - 20.30 Reception
Meet Nature Positive Leaders
October 28 14.00 - 15.00 Finance & Biodiversity Day
(INVITE ONLY) ROUNDTABLE - co-hosted with Ramboll
Measuring Impact and Driving Action: The Quest for Global Metrics
This session focused on the importance of metrics for business in measuring conservation and restoration efforts, towards our nature-positive goals. The session explored how businesses can embed and apply robust metrics into their operations, providing participants with the practical tools to enhance transparency and accountability.
Moderator: Ramboll
15.30 - 16.30
PANEL
Scaling Investment for Nature-Based Solutions
This session looked at the strategies addressing the current shortfall in private sector investment in nature-based solutions (NbS), crucial for meeting the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. The session emphasised the need for cross-sector collaboration, showcasing how NbS can be transformed into attractive, scalable investment cases that align financial returns with positive environmental outcomes.
Moderator
Katy Baker
Consultant, Nature and Climate Risk, UNEP FI​
Speaker
Sajeev Mohankumar
Senior Technical Specialist, Climate and Biodiversity, FAIRR Initiative
Speaker
Ashley Camhi
Director of Innovative Finance, WCS
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Speaker
Mette Bjerg Alvi
Senior Advisor, Finance Denmark
Speaker
Laura Hillis
Director, Climate and Environment, The Church of England Pensions Board
October 29 9.00 - 10.00
PANEL
Unlocking Opportunities in the Blue Economy
This panel discussion focused on the transformative potential of the blue economy in fostering sustainable growth and innovation. Participants engaged with business leaders, ocean experts, and innovators to discover how investing in sustainable marine and coastal practices can unlock new business opportunities and fuel economic growth.
Moderator
Dr. Lizzie McLeod
Global Ocean Director, The Nature Conservancy
Speaker
Kaija Barisa
Senior Blue Economist, Blue Marine Foundation
Speaker
Benj Sykes
VP & UK Country Head, Orsted ​​
Speaker
Paul Roughan ('Are 'Are)
Pasifik Strategy Lead, Nia Tero
Speaker
Max Boucher
Senior Manager of Research and Engagements, FAIRR
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October 30 9.00 - 10.00
PANEL - co-hosted with Nature Tech Collective
Reimagining Nature
This discussion addressed bold, imaginative approaches to achieving our nature-positive future. Participants shared insights on how innovative technologies and community-led initiatives can drive transformative change in ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Moderator
Kurt McFarland
CEO, FLINTPro
Speaker
Coby Strell
Business Development Manager, Kanop
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Speaker
Andrew McCue
Strategic Initiatives, Metabolic
Speaker
Facundo Armus
Sustainable Business Leader, Globant
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Speaker
Ian Brettell
Policy Director, Crowther Labs
Speaker
Salvatore Coppola-Finegan
Chairman, Ecocitizen
Speaker
Jorge Ahumada
Chief Conservation & Impact Officer, WildMon & ED, Wildlife Insights
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Speaker
Sebastian Leape
CEO, Natcap
Speaker
Leena Al Olaimy
Founder and CEO, Symbaiosys
Speaker
Franziska Walde
Founder and CEO, refin
Speaker
Regina Cervera
Head of Programs, C Minds
Speaker
Zoe Balmforth
Co-Founder, Pivotal
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Speaker
Alan Kroegar
Director, Nature and Climate, Satelligence
Speaker
YoniPasternak
Chief Commercial Officer, Nala
Speaker
Andres Vergara
CMO, Invest Conservation
Speaker
Virginia Castellucci
Head of Sustainability & Advocacy, 3Bee
Speaker
Gregg Brill
NBS and Biodiverssity Lead / Technical Lead, Pacific Institute / CEO Water Mandate
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Speaker
Leo Prieto
CEO, Lemu
Our Objectives at COP16
Connect
Connect and convene the right stakeholders on the right topics at the right time to accelerate the transition to a nature-positive and net-zero economy.
Collaborate
Break silos and foster collaboration between public and private partners across finance, industry, transport, buildings, nature, food, energy and health.  
World Biodiversity Summit at COP16
As part of the various impactful events and engagements in the Blue Zone, the World Climate Foundation will host the 5th edition of World Biodiversity Summit on 26 October in Cali. The summit has established itself as a leading impact platform focused on developing creative and innovative strategies, accelerating finance towards biodiversity conservation, and driving policy recommendations to address challenges in preserving nature.
News on the activities at COP16
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