Introduction to Nature and Responsible Banking

This course is set within the context of the Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) – the world’s leading sustainable banking framework.

The aim of this course is to enhance learners knowledge and understanding of what is meant by nature, why it is so critical for our planet, people and profits, and what has caused the decline of nature in recent decades. Key objectives are to show why nature loss is a critical issue for a responsible bank and to introduce key frameworks and guidance that banks can use to help assess their nature-related impacts and risks and identify opportunities to have a more positive impact on nature – not just to halt its decline, but to help restore it.

On completion of this course, the learner is able to:

1. explain what is meant by nature, biodiversity, natural capital, ecosystems and ecosystem services, and how they add value to our society;

2. recognize what has caused a decline in nature in recent decades and its impact;

3. explain why nature loss is relevant for banks from an impact, risk, and opportunity perspective; and

4. describe key frameworks and initiatives that banks can use to assess their nature-related impacts and risks and identify opportunities to reduce risk and have a more positive impact on nature.