Food & Nature
Overview
We are not only in a climate crisis, but also a biodiversity crisis – and nature-based solutions can address both challenges simultaneously. The benefits and opportunities of nature-based solutions to address global challenges have never been more urgently needed and relevant. Investments and innovations in nature-based solutions will be key to accelerating the pace and scale required for climate action and nature preservation.
Learnings
- What are nature-based solutions, and why do they matter in achieving climate and biodiversity impact?
- According to the UN, investments in nature must triple by 2030 to help save ecosystems. However, the private sector currently provides only 14% of funding towards nature-based solutions. What are the barriers and knowledge gaps for unlocking private capital for nature-based solutions? What opportunities exist for businesses to pursue new sources of revenue and reap the benefits of increased resilience and purpose?
- What innovations in nature-based solutions hold the most promise? What examples can we draw from locally and regionally?
Post Event Actions
- Gain insights on the state of play by the private sector locally, regionally and globally.
- Rethink the role that your company and industry can play in accelerating the investment and innovation of nature-based solutions.
Speakers
MODERATOR
Justin Chang
Program Director - Social Finance, Asia
UBS Optimus Foundation
Justin Chang
Program Director - Social Finance, Asia
UBS Optimus Foundation
Justin is responsible for developing UBS Optimus Foundation’s Social Finance programs in APAC. He works on outcomes-based financing projects and investments into social enterprises with a focus on climate and nature-based solutions.
Prior to Optimus, Justin worked for Prudence Foundation for six years and before this, five years with Prudential in London and Hong Kong in Finance, Strategy and M&A roles. He started his working life with EY Australia and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
My Sustainability Goals for 2022:
For Hong Kong to be the city of excellence when it comes to building effective partnerships to deploy the urgently needed capital to support organisations addressing crucial social and environmental issues.
Dr. David Gallacher
Director, Environment
AECOM
Dr. David Gallacher
Director, Environment
AECOM
Dr. David Gallacher is an environmental specialist with over 23 years experience. He has an academic background in ecology and environmental management, and has experience in a wide range of project types including environmental planning, impact assessment and monitoring, biodiversity management and habitat creation, sustainable urban design and Nature-based Solutions.
My Sustainability Goals for 2022:
Better integration of ESG principles, especially relating to ecosystem services, into all aspects of Hong Kong life.
Brian J. Kernohan
Chief Sustainability Officer, Private Markets
Manulife Investment Management
Brian J. Kernohan
Chief Sustainability Officer, Private Markets
Manulife Investment Management
Brian is responsible for sustainability strategy, support, and related engagements across Manulife Investment Management’s private markets business. In his role, he directs global sustainability programs for the firm’s timberland, agriculture, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity and credit asset classes.
Professor Koh Lian Pin
Director
National University of Singapore, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions
Professor Koh Lian Pin
Director
National University of Singapore, Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions
Professor Koh brings 16 years of international research experience in the field of sustainability and environmental science. In 2020, he returned to Singapore under the National Research Foundation’s Returning Singaporean Scientists scheme to join the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore. He is the Director of the University’s Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple Chair Professor of Conservation at NUS, Vice Dean of Research at the Faculty of Science, and Director of NUS’ Tropical Marine Science Institute. He also currently serves as a Nominated Member of Parliament.
Ronie Mak
Managing Director
RS Group
Ronie Mak
Managing Director
RS Group
Ronie is the Managing Director of RS Group, a HK-based family office that commits 100% of its capital on sustainability and impact. She led the launch of RS Group’s Impact Report in 2016, and the incubation of the Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFi) in 2018, a community-building platform for sustainable investors in Asia. One of Ronie’s key current focus is on deploying catalytic and blended finance capital on nature based investment solutions in Asia.
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