Panel 4: Valuing Nature: Carbon Markets, Biodiversity, and High-Integrity Solutions

Описание: Valuing Nature: Carbon Markets, Biodiversity, and High-Integrity Solutions

Unlocking natural capital for credibility, investment, and impact

Nature-based solutions are gaining traction as essential tools in climate mitigation and adaptation, but their credibility and effectiveness depend on transparency and integrity. This session will explore how MENA can lead in high-integrity carbon and biodiversity markets — valuing nature not just as an environmental asset but as a critical driver of finance for climate resilience and sustainable development. By embedding natural capital into market mechanisms, countries can open new channels for much-needed investment while safeguarding ecosystems and communities.

The discussion will also highlight how advances in AI and digital tools — from satellite imaging to real-time data analytics — are revolutionising verification, monitoring, and reporting. These technologies are making carbon and biodiversity markets more reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient, strengthening investor confidence and ensuring projects deliver genuine climate, social, and ecological benefits.

Simon Henry, Director of Carbon Market Development, International Emissions Trading Association
Namrata Rastogi, Carbon Policy and Technical Specialist, UNDP
Talal Al Araifi, CEO, SAFA
Erik Ringvold, Chief Business Development Officer, Regional Voluntary Carbon Market Company (VCM)
Ian McCallum, Chief Sustainability Officer, Bank ABC