The world is facing a grave biodiversity crisis with global biodiversity having declined by 69% on average since 1970 across tens of thousands of wildlife populations worldwide. The primary culprit behind this catastrophic decline is globalized industrial agriculture, characterized by the use of agrotoxins, monocultures, land degradation, fossil fuels, and pollution. Despite international recognition of the urgent need for biodiversity restoration and conservation, biodiversity loss has continued unabated.

Instead of shifting away from the exploitative systems that have caused this mass extinction, we are witnessing a new wave of greenwashing through a series of false solutions that allow business to continue as usual. In the name of biodiversity “conservation” and “protection,” the financial sector is increasingly promoting the financialization of nature and biodiversity through market mechanisms such as biodiversity credits and Nature Asset Companies (NACs). These schemes are a new form of colonial bio-imperialism, twisting the narrative to portray an illusion of financial support for the marginalized while allowing corporations to evade biodiversity regulations and continue exploiting communities and ecosystems without accountability.

Navdanya International is committed to promoting an ecological, holistic approach to biodiversity conservation, resisting the commodification of nature, and supporting the communities that live in harmony with it. Our resources aim to provide an in-depth understanding of these issues and encourage sustainable and just practices for preserving biodiversity.

Biodiversity is Life – Not an Asset Class

This report critically examines the notion of biodiversity as an asset class, arguing against the financial sector’s attempts to monetize nature. It explains how such financial schemes, akin to those proposed for climate change finance, are often greenwashed solutions that fail to address the root causes of biodiversity loss. Instead, they perpetuate the exploitation of natural resources and marginalize the communities that protect these ecosystems. The resource advocates for an ecological paradigm that values biodiversity for its intrinsic worth and supports the communities safeguarding it.

Webinar – Biodiversity is Life: Rights of Nature vs Financialisation of Nature – Highlights

This webinar, moderated by Ruchi Shroff, International Director of Navdanya International, featured Dr. Vandana Shiva, President of Navdanya International; Dr. Jessica Hutchings  of Papawhakarirtorito Trust, New Zealand; Frederic Hache of Green Finance Observatory, Brussels; and Silvia Francescon of the Italian Buddhist Union.  The webinar highlights the intrinsic connection between biodiversity and life, emphasizing that biodiversity should not be commodified. It features insights from various experts and activists who discuss the importance of preserving biodiversity through sustainable practices and respecting indigenous knowledge. The webinar reinforces the idea that biodiversity is foundational to life itself and must be protected through holistic and ecological approaches rather than market-driven mechanisms.

Biodiversity, Financialization of Nature and Biodiversity Credits

This article delves into the alarming trend of financializing nature through mechanisms such as biodiversity credits and Nature Asset Companies (NACs). These market-based solutions are critiqued for perpetuating a colonial mindset, viewing nature merely as a resource for extraction and financial gain. The article outlines how these schemes, under the guise of conservation, allow financial institutions to decide what aspects of nature hold value, thereby ignoring and devaluing essential ecological communities and ecosystems. It emphasizes the need for an ecological approach that values nature intrinsically rather than economically.

Our current biodiversity crisis is a stark reminder of the need to fundamentally rethink our relationship with nature. There is a profound interconnectedness of biodiversity and cultural diversity, and indigenous communities play a vital role local in safeguarding our planet’s ecosystems. The financialization of nature dangerously commodifies the natural world and undermines genuine conservation efforts.

It is imperative to shift away from exploitative, market-driven mechanisms that prioritize profit over ecological integrity. Instead, we must embrace holistic, ecological approaches that honor the intrinsic value of nature and the wisdom of those who have lived in harmony with it for millennia.

By understanding and supporting these perspectives, we can resist the false solutions of bio-imperialism and work towards a future where biodiversity is celebrated and protected as the foundation of life itself. This commitment to ecological sustainability, biodiversity, and social justice is at the heart of Navdanya International’s mission, and we invite you to join us in this vital endeavor.

Also read

Biodiversity is Life: Graphic Novel
June 2024

An engaging graphic novel that illustrates the importance of biodiversity and the threats posed by its commodification.

Bio-Imperialism vs. Bio-Diversity
April 2024

This publication contrasts the exploitative practices of bio-imperialism with the holistic, community-driven approaches to biodiversity conservation.

Resisting GMO Imperialism
January 2024

A critical look at the impact of genetically modified organisms on biodiversity and traditional agricultural practices.

The Attempted Destruction of Land-Based Cultures
December 2023

Analyzes the threats to land-based cultures and their knowledge systems from industrial agriculture and bio-imperialism.

Safeguarding Biodiversity for the Regeneration of the Land
July 2023

Discusses the role of biodiversity in land regeneration and sustainable agricultural practices.

Is the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Enough to Protect Biodiversity?
March 2023

This article examines the effectiveness of the Kunming-Montreal framework in addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss and promoting genuine conservation efforts.

Biodiversity is Life: For Ecological and Social Regeneration
February 2023

This publication discusses how biodiversity conservation can drive both ecological and social regeneration, fostering resilient communities.

The CBD Must Resist the Commodification of All Life
December 2022

A critical analysis of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s approach, arguing against the financialization and commodification of biodiversity.

The Story of Rice
September 2021

This publication explores the cultural, ecological, and economic significance of rice, highlighting traditional practices and the threats posed by industrial agriculture.

The Story of Rice in Bali
September 2021

An in-depth look at the traditional rice farming practices in Bali, showcasing the integration of culture, spirituality, and biodiversity in sustainable agriculture.

The Biodiversity Paradigm: Building Resilience for Human and Environmental Health
November 2020

This paper, published on Springer Nature, presents a comprehensive framework for understanding the critical relationship between biodiversity and human health. It argues for resilient, biodiversity-based systems to address global health challenges.

Our Biodiversity, Our Life, Our Future
October 2017

Explores the essential role of biodiversity in sustaining life and the urgent need for its protection for future generations.