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The Hub is committed to promoting nature finance approaches in Canada that centre Indigenous rights, jurisdiction and knowledge systems, support the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), and Indigenous-led nature-based solutions, such as Guardians programs and stewardship initiatives.
Meaningful economic reconciliation can only be achieved through strong, collaborative partnerships with Indigenous leaders and organizations that are rooted in reciprocity. It is through these relationships, and by invitation, that the Hub will amplify Indigenous voices and support the critical work of Indigenous Peoples on the ground.
We continuously engage in respectful dialogue with a growing number of Indigenous organisations and individuals that are leading impressive and vital work on nature and biodiversity. We are grateful for ongoing support of our work from the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, First 30×30, the RAD Network, Coast Funds, Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc., IISAAK Olam Foundation, Raven Indigenous Impact and NationsFirst Technologies, among others.
In keeping with our role as an ecosystem builder, the Nature Investment Hub is pleased to amplify the services of Hub partners with specialized competencies and resources related to nature finance. Our collaboration with the RAD Network illustrates how this works in practice. The Hub does not provide bespoke advice on individual conservation projects, but rather focuses on how best to activate financing at larger scales that will close Canada’s biodiversity financing gap. However, if you are a Nation that is curious about Nature Based/Climate Solutions, Credit Markets, or are an Indigenous-led nature or climate project developer looking for initial support, RAD Network offers multiple pathways that are more attuned to project-specific considerations including:
1) Wayfinding Conversations: These are RAD Network-hosted conversations that help to surface community visions and priorities, and articulate where supports are needed, which ecosystem players might be able to meet those needs, and identify opportunities to work together.
2) Accelerator Circles: These are an offering for Nations and practitioners experiencing specific challenges advancing Indigenous-led natural climate solutions. RAD Network convenes a curated group of peers and content experts in a discussion circle to address challenges and generate practical solutions.
The RAD Network & Nature Investment Hubs relationship is shaped by a Reciprocity Dialogue, where both partners agree to bring abundance, trust, honesty and integrity to the relationship. Once potential projects & curious Nations meet with RAD Network (and consent is approved), RAD can share details about individual projects. This information helps the Nature Investment Hub to understand priorities and needs of Indigenous-led projects at an aggregate level and offer technical advice on specific nature finance instruments when invited to do so. We can also play a connective role with our broader partner network to ensure better alignment between project developers, intermediaries and capital providers.
Our relationship with the RAD network builds on a joint “ecosystem mapping” project that served to identify key communities, organizations and roles within the nature finance ecosystem, show interconnections and gaps, grow ethical space, and deepen relationships. This is an ongoing exercise in the Canadian context given the abundance of new players and initiatives and the persistence of key barriers, such as the lack of policy pathways to recognize Indigenous jurisdiction over the lands and waters upon which nature-based solutions depend. RAD Network and NIH believe ecosystem mapping and the supporting conversations can spotlight shared strategic pathways to address ecosystem gaps such as lack of effective intermediaries, aligned financial investors, protocols, policy pathways for implementing nature based solutions, capacity investment needs, and ready projects for investment.
To connect with RAD Network, learn more about the suite of pathway options and schedule an introductory call, please check out the RAD Network website and email [email protected]
We partner with First 30×30, energized by our shared values and ambition, and our alignment on centering Indigenous Nations within a growing nature finance market in Canada. The First 30×30 Canada program supports Indigenous-led conservation to protect 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030. It focuses on advancing nature-based solutions (NbS) that combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and promote Indigenous sovereignty. The initiative partners with Indigenous governments, technical experts, and investors to create equitable, long-term projects with lasting environmental and social impact. First 30×30 is a partnership led by Nature For Justice, IISAAK OLAM Foundation, and Nature Focus.
