The purpose of Financing an Environment for Wales is to set a collective approach to financing the environment that the country needs. Share insight on actions already being taken, such as the cultivation of nature markets. The theme Hannah leads on the Integrating Finance and Biodiversity programme is a funding partner in the conference, together with Natural Resources Wales, and the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales – Ecosystems Knowledge Network is organising it. Together on October 7th 2025, we will set out the ‘big picture’ of how money from all sources can achieve more for Wales.
In Wales and beyond, there is growing interest in innovative use of money to secure the natural environment upon which everyone depends. This involves finding ways that private, public and philanthropic money can work together. It includes payments for outcomes, such as the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into soil, saltmarsh, seaweed and plants. It also encompasses investment in climate resilience, and actions that can achieve thriving rural economies as well as marine and coastal areas.
There is a role for everyone in this innovation – from local communities to the largest businesses, charities and public bodies. Wales now has opportunity to make this arena work for its people, its priorities, its environment and its well-being economy.
We are inviting senior representatives from 100 organisations with a role in the stewardship of land, water and nature in Wales. They are from the public, private, non-profit and academic sectors. We are including those who are directly involved in the supply of outcomes, as well as those seeking to provide funding or finance. We expect that these people are in positions where they can lead on this topic in their organisation, in partnership with others. The event will include a selection of talks and discussions, aiming to ensure that every participant has a voice in formulating plans and ways of working.
We are designing the programme in the light of several consultation calls, and in view of feedback from those who wish to participate. Contributors to the speaker programme:
- Dr Hannah Rudman, Senior Research Fellow, James Hutton Institute
- Jon Parker, Director for Wales, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission
- Catherine Howell, Head of Natural Capital Developments, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park
We will explore themes such as:
- How funding and finance from different sources can work together more effectively.
- Integrating action across urban, rural, coastal and marine areas.
- What is the distinctive approach of Wales in funding and finance for environmental and social outcomes.
- Scotland’s experience with building a community of people working towards financial innovation at the intersection of land, water, nature and people.