Public and private financing forest restoration and biodiversity conservation: aligning expectations

This ThinkForest event aims to examine how forest restoration and biodiversity conservation might be financed and incentivized more effectively, assuring pro-biodiversity outcomes. It will explore innovative public and private sector approaches, both in the Global North and South.

Despite growing global commitments to restore degraded forests and halt biodiversity loss, the lack of financing remains a key bottleneck. Current funding falls far short of what is needed to achieve restoration, biodiversity, and climate targets, while available resources are often fragmented, short-term, or insufficiently aligned with on-the-ground restoration needs. In addition, biodiversity outcomes are not always guaranteed. There is increasing hope that private investment, blended finance, and innovative financing mechanisms could help fill the gap.

This ThinkForst event is organised by the Government of Italy and the European Forest Institute as a side event of 10th World Forest Week / COFO 2026. It is open to all COFO participants.