Ecosystems, Finance & Health
Mobilizing Finance for
Health & Nature
Well-functioning ecosystems, sustainable food systems and strong public healthcare are the foundations of human wellbeing and the global economy.
These life support systems, distributed across landscapes, can help us navigate an uncertain future.
These systems, however, are under increasing pressure from climate change, nature degradation and changing social and economic conditions. This leaves communities at risk of health threats and economic and political instability.
At least 80% of human pathogens are environmentally mediated, and 23% of global human deaths are due to modifiable environmental risks.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building, EFH will position African science & innovation at the forefront of global efforts to link sustainable economies, tropical ecosystems and public health. Solutions developed in Africa can easily be applied to other landscapes in the tropics.
The global financial sector has yet to consider the risks and opportunities of jointly improving ecosystems, food systems and public health systems on health and sustainable development goals.
This is despite the global health care sector being worth more than US$ 9 trillion, and Nature markets being worth US$ 200 billion.
Ecosystems, Finance & Health
is a new Africa-led initiative that seeks integrated financing for health and nature, by enabling the financial sector to invest in solutions that link ecosystems and food systems to the health of rural and urban populations.
We believe this is a more cost-effective and equitable way of improving health, that can also meet sustainable development goals and generate financial returns on investment.
Our Approach
1. De-risk project design
Tools that equip communities and project developers with the local knowledge and actionable science required to identify and prioritize solutions to common public health and environmental threats.
2. Incubate
co-management
Design, deploy and test interventions with local communities, thereby generating fundable projects that bring solutions to those who are at greatest risk.
3. Develop macro-scale tools
New frameworks and financial instruments that give investors and decision-makers the confidence to channel funding towards solutions promoting nature and health outcomes.
Why Africa?
21st century Africa maintains a quarter of global biodiversity, providing vital terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem services to the planet and bringing economic prosperity to more than a billion people.
As the continent gears up for significant social and economic development in the next two decades, designing solutions to health and environmental challenges that recognize the close relationship people still maintain with their ancestral lands offers a unique opportunity to build green, healthy and equitable economies.
Co-designing a new initiative
In March 2024 we gathered 40 leading experts from science, finance, governments, NGOs, and affected communities to explore the feasibility of building an investment case and de-risking mechanisms for co-management of ecosystems and public health in Africa. The goal was to collectively co-create a road map outlining steps that could be taken towards achieving this.
INCEPTION
Inception workshop
Read more about our inception workshop, which took place Namunyak Conservancy. Namunyak meaning “place of peace”, lies in a ruggedly beautiful valley on the southern-most edge of the Sahel in northern Kenya.
COLLABORATION
Our Core Partners
