Peatlands and wetlands are among the world’s most valuable natural assets, underpinning climate resilience, water security, biodiversity and human wellbeing. Yet their economic and strategic value remains poorly reflected in investment decisions and financial markets.

Building on the Peatland Finance discussions in Paris and the recent Financing European Peatlands report, this CBD COP17 side event will explore how to move from recognising the value of peatlands and wetlands to funding and financing their protection, restoration and long-term management at scale. It will consider the role of public and private finance, innovative instruments and emerging nature market frameworks capable of delivering measurable water, nature and climate benefits while ensuring environmental integrity and social inclusion.

Against the backdrop of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and growing international commitments on climate adaptation and resilience, the discussion will examine how peatlands and wetlands can act as investment platforms that generate multiple environmental and socio-economic outcomes. The session will showcase lessons from European and international initiatives, identify barriers to scaling investment, and explore how robust standards, policy frameworks and nature market infrastructure can help unlock a pipeline of bankable projects.

The event aims to advance a shared vision for peatlands and wetlands as integral components of resilient economies and natural capital strategies, while highlighting practical pathways for governments, financial institutions, land managers and market actors set out enabling policies, data, standards and investment approaches are needed to unlock finance. Particular attention will be given to how the experience of peatlands can inform the development of the next generation of high-integrity nature markets and contribute to implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.