Purpose Biodiversity loss has reached unprecedented levels, threatening the stability of economic and financial systems worldwide. The aim of this study is to synthesise existing research on biodiversity and finance and to clarify how the financial sector can engage with biodiversity and contribute to addressing its decline. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review is conducted to identify ways in which the financial sector can contribute to mitigating biodiversity loss. Findings Three key pathways for the financial sector to support biodiversity are identified: (1) raising awareness of biodiversity within financial institutions (FIs) and across interconnected business sectors, (2) pursuing biodiversity-related business opportunities and (3) increasing biodiversity visibility through reporting. These findings emphasise the considerable influence of the sector in shaping biodiversity outcomes as well as the need for further research into institutional practices and the impact of stakeholder engagement. Originality/value This study is among the first to provide a systematic synthesis of the fragmented literature on finance and biodiversity. By structuring the sector’s contributions into three key pathways, it provides a conceptual foundation for future empirical research. Future studies can focus on how FIs can operationalise biodiversity considerations and further foster biodiversity conservation and restoration.
Junge et al. (Tue,) studied this question.