The event, which is free to attend, builds on the National Park Authority’s ongoing commitment to urgent large-scale environmental restoration and its efforts to enable communities to engage with green finance opportunities. Attendees will hear from and engage directly with nationally recognised experts who will provide an overview of green finance mechanisms and case studies, helping to demystify the opportunities and risks of private investment in natural capital.

Dom Hall, future nature development manager at the National Park Authority, will open the evening, which will feature presentations from leading voices in the sector, including:

• Holly Story, Head of Nature-Based Solutions, National Parks Partnerships: Introduction to Green Finance and National Parks
• Anne Gray, North England Land & Ecology Manager, Environment Bank: Delivering Biodiversity Enhancement with Private-Sector Funding
• William Hawes, Natural Capital Specialist, Sylvestris: Case Study: Natural Capital Partnerships Between Corrour and St Andrews University

Simon Jones, director of environment & visitor services at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority, said: “Scotland is home to some of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes, but also some of the most degraded nature globally.

“Ethical green finance has the potential to play a pivotal role in supporting the ambitious restoration of nature within the National Park. This event aims to help demystify what is a rapidly emerging, complex sector, providing practical insights and fostering understanding of how green finance can deliver real benefits for both people and the environment.

“As a National Park Authority, we are committed to leading efforts to reverse nature’s decline by 2030 and achieve widespread restoration by 2040. To secure the long-term funding required to achieve this, a blend of private investment in natural capital and public finance will be essential. We’re pleased to bring together respected experts to help local communities and landowners explore what ethical green finance could mean for the National Park, addressing concerns, questions, and ideas.”

The National Park Authority recently published guidance to support land managers, developers, and community groups in navigating green finance responsibly, ensuring projects align with Scotland’s climate resilience and biodiversity commitments. This event is a continuation of that effort, offering an open, interactive forum to ask questions and explore the potential of green finance to deliver real, lasting benefits.

The event comes at a critical time as Scotland accelerates its response to the twin nature and climate crises, with biodiversity loss costing the economy billions annually. With growing global attention on ethical green finance following COP29 and the Scottish Government’s Natural Capital Market Framework, this event highlights how National Parks and local communities can lead the charge for a greener future through meaningful collaboration.

Event Details:

• Date: Thursday, 23rd January 2025
• Time: 6:45 pm arrival, 7:00 pm start, concluding by 9:00 pm
• Location: John Muir Suite, National Park Offices, Balloch
• Free registration here.