On April 10, at Wageningen University, we organized a thought-provoking lecture centred around the future of conservation through Green Finance. Stefan Heijkamp, a recent intern at WWF International and member of the FFN Academy, delivered a presentation that walked us through the evolving landscape of financing nature conservation efforts.

The evening began with an easy-to-follow explanation of some key green finance tools like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Conservation Bonds, Revolving Credit Facilities (RCF), and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES). Stefan broke down how these financial tools are supposed to link making money with protecting nature. For example, with Conservation Bonds, investors only get good returns if certain environmental goals are actually met.

After the lecture, we had a panel discussion while enjoying some snacks. We debated more nuanced topics such as ‘when poachers are punished, is it the poor communities who suffer, or the rich people who can’t buy luxury goods anymore?’. There were people from multiple backgrounds so it was interesting to hear everyone’s approach.

Overall, the evening was eye-opening. It showed that green finance has a lot of potential. Money could help save nature, but only if it is handled with care, integrity, and humility. Simply pouring money into "green" projects without thinking about power, equity, and local realities risks repeating old patterns of exploitation under a new, greener brand.