In 2017, IDH was selected as the manager of the Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) of The Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Fund. Now, two years later, IDH shares first insights from projects that receive support from the LDN TAF. In line with its mandate as manager of the LDN TAF, IDH supports learning and knowledge sharing of successful models for sustainable land management investment, beyond the LDN Fund and its projects. This learning brief shares insights in the underlying business models and innovative financing structures of three inclusive SLM and ecological restoration projects. It also serves to generate discussion among key stakeholders working in this space. Over the course of 2020, IDH aims to conduct analyses over additional cases and publish an insights note with practical recommendations for project developers looking to create nature-based-solutions that generate positive impact on natural capital while generating financial returns.
ABOUT LDN FUND AND LDN TAF
The Mirova Natural Capital platform, established by responsible investment specialist Mirova, is dedicated to providing innovative investment solutions to fight climate change and protect landscapes, biodiversity, soils, and maritime resources. The Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Fund, co-promoted by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Mirova, is a first-of-its-kind impact investment fund investing in profit-generating sustainable land management (SLM) and land restoration projects worldwide. The LDN Fund has secured over US $150 million in commitments from investors.
The Land Degradation Neutrality Technical Assistance Facility (LDN TAF) is the grants making arm of the LDN Fund and is managed by IDH. The LDN TAF can provide grants and reimbursable grants to (potential) LDN investment projects, to improve technical quality, and strengthen environmental and social impacts, so that the investment project meets the LDN Fund investment criteria. Current donors to the LDN TAF are AFD and the GEF/ WWF.