The launch of the UN Net Zero Facility and Re-Planet Fund Ecosystem marks a transformative milestone in climate action and sustainable development
Held in Room XVIII of the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, this event brought together a diverse assembly of experts, leaders, investors, and partners, all committed to supporting this unique initiative.
Mrs. Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UNWTO, set the stage for the day’s proceedings, introducing the UN Net Zero Facility and Re-Planet Fund Ecosystem. Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of UNOG, followed by delivering compelling opening remarks.
The agenda featured insightful presentations and discussions led by notable Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, UNWTO Secretary-General who shared the important link between climate tourism. This was followed by a statement by Mr. Paul Walentynowicz, Head of Re-Planet capital fundraising coordination, which showcased the importance of the Re-Planet Ecosystem and the role of its partners.
This ground-breaking project called UN Net Zero Facility and Re-Planet Fund Ecosystem aims to transform climate finance and advance sustainable development to address the problems caused by climate change. This cooperative ecosystem makes use of modern funding methods to maximize the value of assets derived from nature and advance global climate resilience.
About of UN Net Zero Facility and Re-Planet Fund Ecosystem
The UN NET Zero Facility’s support for impactful climate strategies the protection of natural capital and the introduction of the RE-Planet capital private sector fund approach were among the noteworthy sessions. Each section clarified the ecosystem’s all-encompassing strategy for tackling climate-related issues and promoting sustainable investment models.
The facility will act as a catalyst for revolutionary change with an emphasis on supporting sustainable development and lowering greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the audacious objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Re-Planet capital fund ecosystem aims to leverage private and public funding to encourage transformative and sustainable investments across a range of industries. The ecosystem achieves positive environmental and social outcomes by channeling capital into breakthrough clean energy technologies, circular, economy projects, and nature-based solutions through its vast network of partners and investors.
The Re-Planet digital platform was also featured at the event, showcasing its effect assessment capabilities and blockchain reporting procedures as well as its function as an open-source service for the ecosystem.
Addressing the Climate Crisis Through Innovative Finance
The event underlined the critical need for a significant socio-economic shift, particularly in climate finance, to effectively implement the Paris Agreement. A strategy based on data, traceability, and transversality is vital to building a climate-resilient economy that benefits people, the environment, and prosperity.
To meet the challenging climate targets of 2030-50, a new global finance governance is required. This governance will rely on the dedication of multiple stakeholders to unlock carbon value, including those associated with blue carbon, and a move toward the creation of carbon sinks through the adoption of circular business models.
It will be essential to increase development financing for impact – Governments, corporations, individuals, philanthropic organizations, international financial institutions, and a vibrant multilateral system are essential for promoting the board acceleration and execution of the nation’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Key Session Included
Nature – Based Assets Opportunities:
Experts presented opportunities related to blue carbon, super-credits, and carbon cascade mechanisms. The presentation showcased new technologies and frameworks to unlock the highest potential and value of nature-based credits.
UN Net Zero Facility and a New Aid for Impact Architecture:
Mrs. Zoritsa Urosevic discussed the innovative architecture for climate finance and the blended finance model designed to maximize impact within the multilateral system.
Re-Planet Capital – Private Sector Fund:
Mr. Frédéric Degret, Founder of NOAH Regen, and Mr. Jakub Molski, Re-Planet Capital Investment Director, unveiled the Re-planet capital private sector fund and its investment strategy and opportunities for stakeholders.
Frederic Degret presented the innovative investment vehicle. The plan involves unlocking private markets, reducing the initial risk by 20%, and establishing a robust and trustable project pipeline. Additionally, Degret suggests forming partnerships with NOAH ReGen, FLAGMA, and Re-Planet Capital to address the ocean’s significance in both the economy and ecology.
Innovative Solutions for Environmental Conservation at Blue Carbon Lab:
At Blue Carbon Lab, Mr. Josete-Juan Aracil uses underwater remote sensing for precise carbon stock measurement, employing satellite-derived AI classification and multispectral images. The lab’s automated process minimizes human involvement, ensuring economic efficiency in analyzing seabed conditions. Their commitment to environmental preservation is evident in protecting Formentera Posidonia Meadows since 1992, showcasing dedication to studying these ecosystems with unprecedented precision.
Meanwhile, Mr. Antoine Erwes, Head of NDCs strategy at Blue Carbon Lab, presented the NOAH ecosystem project, that will accompany nations and conservation projects in building a durable, profitable, and regenerative business model around marine and land protection. Aligned with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the project emphasizes the financial valuation of natural capital. Erwes also introduced their pilot project in Antigua & and Barbuda, focusing on the Northeast Marine Management Area (NEMMA), collaborating with locals to formulate an action plan.
Transforming Impact Financing:
The Mr. Jakub Molski Private Sector Fund discusses an open-ended RAIF vehicle, that seeks to institutionalize impact financing. Emphasizing auditability, transparency, accountability, and strong corporate governance, the fund adopts an impact-oriented investment strategy.
Accelerating Tourism to NetZero:
Mrs. Zoritsa Urosevic, UNTWO Executive Director vision about unlocking financing is the key to paving the way for a NetZero Future. UNWTO is all in for climate action and is gearing up to deploy a groundbreaking financing mechanism and ecosystem, aligning with the Paris Agreement. We’re tapping into the strength of the multilateral UN system and other international organizations to make a significant impact. The innovative financing mechanism, powered by a UN alliance, will focus on Tourism (SDG17, SDG13), leveraging the multilateral system for impact.
Protecting our Oceans and Planet:
Mr. Paul Holthus, Founder and President of the World Ocean Council talks about the importance of capturing CO2 in oceans to reduce disasters and support clean energy. He says it’s crucial to fund the Sustainable Blue Economy, use a mix of money strategies, and build partnerships for the ocean. Paul H. also suggests measuring impacts in many ways (multi-SDG) and creating a Re-Planet system and marketplaces.
Marketplaces and Tokenization Platform:
A demonstration of the Re-Planet digital platform, including the tokenization, indexing, and marketplace tools was presented, showcasing the platform’s capabilities in measuring SDGs impact and securely tracing each project.
Goals and Impact
The launch of the UN Net Zero Facility and Re-Planet Capital Fund Ecosystem marks a significant milestone in advancing global climate action. The collaboration aims to achieve the following key objectives:
Mobilizing Capital:
By leveraging the expertise of the Re-Planet capital fund ecosystem and the global reach of the UN, the initiative seeks to mobilize substantial finance resources for climate-resilient and sustainable projects.
Promoting Innovation:
The partnership will support the development and adoption of innovative technologies and business models that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Community Engagement:
With a focus on community engagement and empowerment, the initiative aims to uplift local communities through job creation, skills development, and inclusive, sustainable growth.
Measurable Impact:
Through robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms, the collaboration will ensure that investments and projects deliver tangible, measurable impact in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
Quotes
“The UN Net Zero Facility and Re-Planet capital fund ecosystem launch highlights the vital role that public-private partnerships play in advancing climate action and sustainable development. We are dedicated to using our combined knowledge and assets to bring about significant, life-changing change.”
Closing Remarks
HE George Cohen, Permanent Representative of Grenada and Vice Chairman of NOAH Regen Group, and Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of the UNWTO, gave closing remarks at the event, discussing the importance of the UN NetZero Facility and Re-Planet Capital Fund Ecosystem.
The launch of the UN NetZero Facility and Re-Planet Capital Fund Ecosystem serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts and unwavering commitment to combatting climate change and driving sustainable development on a global scale.
The UN Net Zero Facility and Re-Planet Capital Fund Ecosystem are poised to embark on an exciting journey of collaboration, impact, and sustainability. As the global community unites to address the urgent challenges of climate change, this strategic partnership sets the stage for scalable, inclusive solutions that pave the way for a greener, more resilient future for all.