The Nature Transformation Fund (NTF) is a curated portfolio aimed at driving significant environmental change and meeting Global Biodiversity Targets. Supported by leading experts and built on a comprehensive impact-first framework, the NTF is dedicated to creating tangible benefits for the planet.
Our projects cover key areas such as policy advocacy and legal representation for indigenous communities, forest protection and restoration, marine ecosystem conservation, and conservation finance. The NTF strategically supports projects under three essential pillars, balancing immediate needs with long-term goals:
Ecosystem health
Policy & accountability
Innovative finance
The Nature Transformation Fund encompasses a wide array of projects, each addressing different themes and approaches. We focus on three main pillars, which support the fund's overall framework. Within each pillar, various projects pursue similar goals through different methods.
Projects in this pillar support the protection and restoration of freshwater, land, and ocean realms, crucial for meeting the '30x30' targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This ambitious goal seeks to effectively protect and manage 30% of the world’s terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas by 2030. Achieving this is vital as currently, only about 17% of land and 8% of marine areas are under some form of protection. These efforts are essential to address the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, ensuring the survival of natural systems that protect human well-being and support all life on Earth.
The Red Colobus Conservation Network (RCCN) works to improve the conservation status of red colobus monkeys, a group of primates facing severe threats across Africa. This project supports RCCN in implementing conservation action plans, training conservationists, and expanding local and regional conservation networks. By strengthening collaboration and increasing visibility for red colobus conservation, the initiative creates a long-term framework for protecting these endangered species.
Projects in this pillar emphasize the role of local communities as part of the solution through championing science-backed policies, strategic litigation, and strong accountability mechanisms. Recognizing that the insights and experiences from affected communities are invaluable in crafting effective and just policies that not only protect the environment but also pave the way for a socially just transition.
Human Rights Watch is leading a multi-year initiative to expose and challenge environmental crimes that threaten the Amazon and other major forests. By documenting illegal deforestation, land grabbing, and violence against Indigenous and environmental defenders, the project seeks to drive policy change and hold governments accountable. Through global advocacy, media engagement, and direct support for frontline defenders, the initiative aims to protect both critical ecosystems and the people risking their lives to safeguard them.
Innovative finance focuses on developing financial strategies to sustainably manage and preserve natural resources. It seeks to secure continuous funding and unlock extra resources for long-term environmental stewardship. Mechanisms like conservation finance and blended finance, harness economic incentives to support conservation efforts and generate financial benefits. Additionally, they encourage community participation and ownership.
The Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA) incubator aims to identify, incubate and enhance conservation finance solutions and tools to drive greater impact. Over the course of one year, it will support 5-10 groundbreaking projects selected through a global call for proposals by providing grants, mentorship, and development opportunities. By nurturing these concepts, the program aims to unlock additional funding and scale impactful conservation initiatives worldwide.
Ecosystem Health
Ghana
Terrafund for AFR100 is an initiative by One Tree Planted and its partners. The goal is to help local people in Africa to grow trees, which will in turn develop sustainable livelihoods that create an alternative to deforestation, and enhance their livelihoods. This initiative consists of two organizations Herp Ghana and Hen Mpoano. Herp Ghana focuses on amphibian conservation through habitat restoration and community engagement, through tree planting and income enhancement for rural communities. Hen Mpoano supports coastal communities through integrated management of coastal and marine ecosystems, emphasizing mangrove restoration, beekeeping, and organic farming for environmental conservation.
Policy & Accountability
Kenya + 2 countries
Natural Justice is working to protect Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge across South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal. The initiative focuses on legal advocacy, capacity-building, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into environmental policies. Through partnerships and global advocacy, the project ensures that Indigenous communities have a voice in environmental governance.
Innovative Finance
United States
The Conservation Finance Alliance (CFA) incubator aims to identify, incubate and enhance conservation finance solutions and tools to drive greater impact. Over the course of one year, it will support 5-10 groundbreaking projects selected through a global call for proposals by providing grants, mentorship, and development opportunities. By nurturing these concepts, the program aims to unlock additional funding and scale impactful conservation initiatives worldwide.
We collaborate with a broad network of experts and maintain a robust portfolio management system to ensure high quality and scientific rigor. The NTF is overseen by two main portfolio managers who work closely with an external advisory group.
Let’s have a conversation about how we can support you in fulfilling your climate and nature commitments.
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