Projects

Client: Rio Conventions Secretariats (CBD, UNFCCC and UNCCD) and Institutional Partners

This project focused on designing and implementing the first phase of the Rio Conventions Joint Capacity-Building Programme, a global initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of public officials, negotiators and technical experts on the synergies between the three Rio Conventions on climate change, biodiversity and desertification. The assignment supported the development of an integrated capacity-building approach to enhance coherence across international environmental frameworks.

Key tasks included:

• Designing the overall concept and learning architecture of the programme.
• Developing training modules on Rio Convention synergies and international negotiation processes.
• Preparing training materials and learning tools for policymakers, negotiators and technical experts.
• Organising and facilitating pilot training sessions delivered through in-person, online and hybrid formats.
• Testing and refining modules during international events, including activities held alongside Climate and Biodiversity COPs.
• Capturing lessons learned and incorporating feedback to strengthen future programme phases.

Results:

The project delivered and tested a comprehensive set of training modules focused on the linkages between climate change, biodiversity conservation and land degradation neutrality. The capacity-building activities enhanced participants’ understanding of Rio Convention synergies and supported the adoption of more integrated approaches to the implementation and monitoring of international environmental commitments.

Client: FMO (Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank)

Consortium: Trinomics / Rio Impact

This project supported FMO in strengthening its Nature-positive approach through the development of strategic and operational guidance tailored to its investment portfolio. The assignment aimed to support the integration of biodiversity, ecosystem and climate considerations into environmental impact monitoring and assessment processes, in line with relevant international standards and frameworks.

Key tasks included:

• Developing strategic recommendations for integrating the Nature-positive approach into FMO’s investment activities.
• Defining key biodiversity, ecosystem and climate indicators aligned with international standards.
• Providing guidance for the development of an environmental impact monitoring and reporting framework for investment portfolios.
• Reviewing existing methodologies and formulating practical recommendations adapted to FMO’s operational context.

Results:

The project provided FMO with a structured framework for strengthening the integration of nature-related considerations across its investment activities. The recommendations and indicators developed support improved environmental performance monitoring, enhanced consideration of biodiversity and ecosystems in investment decision-making, and the implementation of the institution’s Nature-positive ambitions.

Client: World Bank

This project supported the World Bank in identifying investment and engagement opportunities within the forestry sector across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The assignment helped establish a strategic vision for the sector, assess financing needs and highlight pathways for strengthening the contribution of forests to climate resilience, landscape restoration and sustainable development.

Key tasks included:

• Developing an engagement strategy for the forestry sector across the MENA region.
• Assessing the feasibility of innovative financing instruments, including green bonds, impact funds and microfinance solutions.
• Preparing an engagement note to guide the World Bank’s interventions in the sector.
• Producing country profiles and analytical summaries for selected MENA countries.
• Identifying key sector opportunities, financing gaps and investment priorities.
• Analysing institutional frameworks and opportunities for mobilising public and private finance.

Results: The project provided the World Bank with a robust analytical foundation for strengthening its engagement in the forestry sector across the MENA region. The outputs produced helped identify priority investment opportunities, assess suitable financing mechanisms and support the integration of forestry considerations into broader climate resilience and sustainable development strategies

This project focused on analysing and assessing national forest financing strategies across seven countries: Brazil, Cameroon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mongolia, Morocco and Uganda. The assignment aimed to identify financing opportunities, investment needs and mechanisms capable of strengthening forest conservation and sustainable forest management across diverse national contexts.

Key tasks included:
• Conducting an in-depth assessment of forest financing landscapes in the seven target countries.
• Identifying existing financial flows, financing gaps and priority investment needs.
• Reviewing national policies and frameworks related to forest conservation and climate finance.
• Facilitating consultations with government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Developing country-specific recommendations and comparative policy insights across the seven countries.

Results: The project provided a comprehensive understanding of forest financing mechanisms and the barriers affecting investment in the forestry sector. The resulting analyses and recommendations supported the development of more effective financing strategies, strengthened alignment between forest and climate policies, and enhanced opportunities to mobilise resources for the conservation and sustainable management of forest ecosystems.

This project supported the Government of Benin in the preparation of concept notes and funding proposals for submission to major international climate and environmental financing mechanisms. The assignment focused on identifying priority Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) initiatives and developing high-quality project documents aligned with donor requirements and national restoration priorities.

Key tasks included:
• Identifying and assessing funding opportunities from leading international climate and environmental funds.
• Strengthening the capacities of national technical committees on project design and funding proposal preparation.
• Facilitating a participatory process to identify, prioritise and develop Forest Landscape Restoration projects.
• Providing technical support for the preparation of bankable concept notes and funding proposals.
• Organising and facilitating multi-stakeholder workshops and technical working group discussions.
• Reviewing, consolidating and quality-assuring project documents prior to submission.

Results: The project strengthened Benin’s institutional capacity to access climate and environmental finance and to develop investment-ready restoration initiatives. The concept notes and funding proposals produced provide a robust foundation for mobilising international resources and advancing large-scale Forest Landscape Restoration efforts that contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and sustainable rural development.

Geographical scope: Africa and emerging markets

This project focused on the design of an impact investment fund dedicated to financing sustainable land-use initiatives, with a particular emphasis on agroforestry, biodiversity and the green economy. The objective was to develop an investment vehicle capable of mobilising capital for nature-based solutions while generating long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.

Key tasks included:
• Designing the fund’s investment strategy and impact thesis, focused on ecosystem restoration, agroforestry and sustainable value chains.
• Structuring the investment vehicle, including its financial mechanisms, governance arrangements and capital allocation framework.
• Identifying and assessing a pipeline of potential projects in sustainable agriculture, land management and nature-based solutions.
• Developing an impact measurement and management framework covering biodiversity, climate and livelihoods.
• Supporting the preparation of a capital mobilisation strategy targeting institutional investors and climate finance actors.

Results: The project defined the investment structure, strategic positioning and impact framework of a fund dedicated to nature-based solutions and sustainable land use. The proposed model provides a structured approach for mobilising private capital to support biodiversity conservation, agroforestry development and the transition towards a green economy across emerging markets.

This project aims to support Graine de Vie in the development, certification and valorisation of forestry and agroforestry carbon projects aligned with international standards. The assignment also strengthens the organisation’s long-term carbon expertise by establishing the technical capacities required to design, manage and scale high-quality carbon initiatives.

Key tasks included:
• Conducting carbon feasibility studies for forestry and agroforestry projects.
• Developing, reviewing and updating Project Design Documents (PDDs) in line with international carbon standards.
• Designing carbon accounting methodologies and establishing MRV and D-MRV systems.
• Supporting project validation, verification and certification processes.
• Producing carbon monitoring reports and coordinating with certification bodies.
• Providing strategic advice on carbon credit commercialisation and market access.

Results: The project strengthens Graine de Vie’s capacity to develop and manage certifiable carbon projects that deliver measurable climate benefits. The technical assistance provided has enhanced the quality of project documentation, monitoring systems and carbon accounting approaches, while facilitating certification processes and improving access to opportunities within voluntary carbon markets.

Client : ADA (Appui au Développement Autonome)

This project focused on strengthening the environmental monitoring and evaluation systems of ADA’s partners through the identification, assessment and testing of environmental impact measurement tools for agricultural, forestry and agroforestry projects. The assignment supported the development of a harmonised approach for tracking environmental performance and integrating sustainability considerations across supported value chains.

Key tasks included:

• Identifying relevant environmental indicators for selected pilot projects.
• Developing an analytical framework covering biodiversity, ecosystem services, greenhouse gas emissions, soil health, water management and climate change adaptation.
• Conducting a comparative review of international environmental monitoring tools and methodologies.
• Assessing approaches used by leading organisations in sustainable agriculture and green finance.
• Co-developing and piloting an environmental data collection, monitoring and analysis tool with a partner microfinance institution.
• Producing operational recommendations, user guides and capacity-building materials.

Results:

The project provided ADA and its partners with a structured framework for monitoring the environmental impact of their interventions. The tools and recommendations developed support the systematic collection of environmental data, strengthen evidence-based decision-making and promote the integration of sustainable management practices across agricultural and forestry value chains.

This project supported ADA in the design and structuring of its carbon finance programme in Rwanda, enabling smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs to access revenues generated through carbon markets. The initiative was based on the adoption of sustainable agroforestry practices aimed at generating climate, environmental and socio-economic benefits for vulnerable communities.

Key tasks included:
• Conducting a feasibility assessment and financial viability analysis of the proposed carbon programme.
• Developing a comprehensive business model covering programme financing, carbon revenue distribution, credit commercialization and risk management.
• Benchmarking international carbon programmes, certification standards and comparable initiatives.
• Identifying suitable carbon methodologies for agroforestry and forestry systems and designing a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system.
• Establishing the programme’s operational model, governance framework and a scoping document to support the development of the Project Design Document (PDD).

Results: The project established the technical, financial and operational foundations for an inclusive carbon finance programme tailored to the Rwandan context. The proposed framework provides a structured approach for monetising environmental services generated through agroforestry practices while creating new income opportunities for smallholder farmers and micro-entrepreneurs and supporting more sustainable production systems.

This project aimed to build the capacity of development finance institutions (DFIs) across Africa to mainstream climate finance into their operations and funding portfolios.

• Delivered training on climate finance mechanisms and sources and how DFIs can integrate them into their strategies.
• Provided case studies on successful climate finance projects across Africa.
• Facilitated knowledge exchange between DFIs on best practices in climate finance.
• Shared technical orientations with DFIs on creating climate finance products and services for national development.

Results: The training empowered African DFIs to incorporate climate finance into their funding models, supporting climate-resilient development across the continent.

Client : EU delegation / AESA

This project focused on creating a Biodiversity Stewardship Programme in Mauritius to engage private landowners,  and private sector stakeholders in the sustainable management and conservation of biodiversity on private lands.

Key tasks included:

• Engaging with landowners, private sector stakeholders and conservation leaders to assess what stewardship models could work in the Mauritian context.
• Benchmarking biodiversity stewardship models and related incentives schemes in other countries.
• Developing an incentives toolbox (monetary and non-monetary) for biodiversity stewardship in Mauritius.
• Design of a Biodiversity Stewardship Programme proposal.

Results: The biodiversity stewardship programme provides a structured approach to engage private landowners and private sector stakeholders in the long-term conservation of Mauritius’ unique ecosystems, fostering collaboration between private landowners and conservation bodies, and enhancing biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration on private lands.

This mission focused on developing a national climate finance strategy and action plan for Algeria, aiming to enhance the country’s capacity to access and manage climate finance for mitigation and adaptation initiatives.

Key tasks included:

• Conducting a financial landscape analysis for climate-related investments in Algeria.
• Engaging with national stakeholders, including government, financial institutions, and international donors.
• Development of a comprehensive climate finance strategy outlining priorities for funding climate action.
• Design of an action plan with short-, medium-, and long-term targets for mobilizing climate finance.
• Training of national institutions on climate finance access and management.

Results: The climate finance strategy and action plan were designed jointly with national counterparts, providing Algeria with a clear roadmap for mobilizing and managing resources for climate action from both national and international sources.

This project aimed to design a new initiative for ecosystem services valorization in Morocco, focusing on the quantification, valuation, and development of positive incentives for ecosystem conservation and restoration.

Key tasks included:

• Analysis of national context on ecosystem services.
• Consultation of national stakeholders on potential financial incentives for ecosystem conservation.
• Development of project framework and impact chain for integrating ecosystem services valuation into national planning, and encouraging the design of relevant incentives, including to foster private sector investment in ecosystem services.

Result: The project laid the foundation for a new initiative on ecosystem services valorization, promoting the use of positive financial incentives for ecosystem conservation and restoration in Morocco.

This project aimed to create sectoral action plans for Algeria to integrate biodiversity conservation into key economic sectors, ensuring alignment with the country’s national biodiversity strategy.

Key tasks included:

• Engagement with sectoral leaders and government agencies to gather input and develop sector-specific biodiversity strategies.
• Development of action plans to integrate biodiversity conservation into sectoral policies and operations.
• Identification of possible governance mechanisms to support biodiversity conservation across sectors.
• Organization and delivery of capacity-building workshops for sectoral stakeholders on biodiversity mainstreaming.

Results: The sectoral action plans were successfully developed, integrating biodiversity conservation into Algeria’s key economic sectors and enhancing cross-sector collaboration on biodiversity issues.

Advisory services focused on designing a Green Climate Fund (GCF) concept note with the aim to attract GCF funding to unleash Côte d’Ivoire’s forest sector’s contributions to climate change mitigation and adaptation (Ecosystem-based Adaptation).

In this context Rio Impact:

• Conducted an institutional analysis of Côte d’Ivoire’s forest sector, identifying key challenges and opportunities for sustainable forest management and forest restoration.
• Engaged with national stakeholders and international partners  to align project goals with national priorities building synergies with other projects.
• Designed the project framework, focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Proposed financial and technical orientations to meet GCF funding criteria.
• Positioned the National Forest Fund in Côte d’Ivoire as the key domestic mechanism to boost a paradigm shift of the Ivoirian forest sector.

Results: The project concept note was successfully submitted to key national stakeholders, positioning Côte d’Ivoire to potentially access significant climate finance for its forest sector, supporting long-term forest sustainability and resilience to climate change.

This mission aimed at identifying opportunities to design Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) transformative projects and programs in Namibia, focusing on sustainable land management practices and restoration efforts to combat land degradation.

Key tasks included:

• An analysis of available literature on land degradation trends and key affected areas in Namibia.
• Consultation of national institutions and international partners to specify needs, potential LDN projects objectives and funding gaps.
• Development of a report specifying opportunities for the development of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) transformative projects and programs (target funding sources included: Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, Global Environmental Facility, and the LDN Fund, a.o.)

Results: Project development opportunities to implement LDN  in Namibia were identified, laying the groundwork for future transformative programs aiming at counterbalancing land degradation trends and improving sustainable land use practices across the country.

This mission aimed at identifying opportunities to design Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) transformative projects and programs in Ethiopia, focusing on sustainable land management practices and restoration efforts to combat land degradation.

Key tasks included:

• An analysis of available litterature on land degradation trends and key affected areas in Ethiopia.
• Consultation of national institutions and international partners to specify needs, potential LDN projects objectives and funding gaps.
• Development of a report specifying opportunities for the development of Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) transformative projects and programs (target funding sources included: Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, Global Environmental Facility, and the LDN Fund, a.o.)

Results: Project development opportunities to implement LDN  in Ethiopia were identified, laying the groundwork for future transformative programs aiming at counterbalancing land degradation trends and improving sustainable land use practices across the country.

The Forest and Landscape Investment Forum, held in Kigali, Rwanda, aimed to foster dialogue between diverse stakeholders, including government, private sector, and financial institutions, to promote investment in sustainable land management, forest conservation, and landscape restoration in the East African region.

Key tasks included

• Coordination of the overall forum design.
• Engaging key stakeholders from finance institutions, government, private  sector, and international organizations.
• Organization of interactive sessions on finance for forest and landscape restoration.

Results: The forum successfully attracted a wide range of stakeholders, fostering new partnerships and commitments to invest in sustainable forestry and landscape restoration initiatives in East Africa.

Rio Impact delivered technical analyses to support the global ecosystem restoration efforts of Reforest’action, assessing what restoration types are relevant in given geographic contexts.

More specifically Rio Impact:

• Conducted analyses of global and regional restoration initiatives and projects, assessing respective targets per restoration types.
• Formulated recommendations to set restoration objectives for specific regions and selected countries, and evaluated bioeconomy opportunities.

Results: The technical analyses helped shape global and regional strategies for ecosystem restoration.

In the context of the WWF Africa Adaptation Initiative, this mission aimed to design and deliver a tailor-made training to WWF staff across Africa on securing finance for climate change adaptation projects, particularly focusing on ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and nature-based solutions (NbS).

In the framework of this mission Rio Impact:

• Prepared and delivered a 4-days training on climate finance solutions for ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and nature-based solutions (NbS) to climate change.
• Presented case studies of successful adaptation finance projects in Africa, focusing on EbA and NbS.
• Engaged WWF staff in discussions on integrating climate adaptation into conservation work.

Results: WWF conservation managers gained valuable skills in accessing climate adaptation finance, empowering them to implement nature-based solutions across Africa.

This project provided training for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) managers in the Mediterranean, focusing on effective fundraising strategies for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The aim was to equip MPA managers with the fundraising skills to attract more financial resources and sustain conservation efforts.

In the context of this mission, Rio Impact:

• Designed training agenda and built related material (8 modules).
• Developed self-paced training content.
• Delivered in-person training on fundraising strategies for +40 MPA managers from +10 Mediterranean countries (2x 4 days-trainings in 2022 and 2023).
• Created guidelines to support MPA managers in designing their own fundraising strategy.

Results: MPA managers gained key skills in fundraising and financial planning, enhancing their capacity to secure funding for long-term marine conservation efforts.

More information on MPAs fundraising training package and modules here: https://medpan.org/en/training/developing-and-implementing-fundraising-strategy-mpas

Client: UNDP / Natural Strategies

This project aimed to develop a sustainable financing strategy for the Papua New Guinea’s Protected Areas (PAs) network, supporting long-term conservation. Rio Impact’s support focused on a costing assessment and expertise on cost-benefit analyses to help prioritize financing options.

In the context of this mission Rio Impact:

• Conducted a costing assessment of the PA network in PNG.
• Supported consultations with national stakeholders in the design of a sustainable financing strategy for the PA network.
• Delivered trainings on cost-benefit analyses (CBA) for Protected Areas.

Results: The costing assessment and sustainable financing plan provided a clear vision of how to develop relevant biodiversity financing solutions and attract technical and financial partners for PAs in PNG.

Madagascar has been planning for the establishment of a National Forest Fund (NFF) in its forest legislation. The NFF is meant to finance forest protection, restoration and sustainable management efforts for the whole country. Rio Impact played a key role its design.

In the context of this mission Rio Impact:

• Conducted a comprehensive analysis of existing forest funding mechanisms.
• Engaged key national stakeholders, including government, civil society organizations and technical and financial partners.
• Developed the fund concept and facilitated national consultations to reach a common agreement on the fund structure.
• Designed a detailed roadmap for the fund implementation.
• Trained and coached national stakeholders for the NFF implementation.

Results: The National Forest Fund concept has been developed and key national stakeholders have reinforced their capacities for its full implementation.

Client : UNDP / Natural Strategies

This project provided advisory services to analyze opportunities for the design and/or reform of existing domestic funds towards the establishment of national biodiversity fund fostering a Payment for Ecosystem Services approach in Cambodia.

In the context of this mission Rio Impact:

• Conducted an institutional analysis to identify relevant existing domestic funds.
• Worked closely with the government and conservation organizations to gather information and technical orientations
• Proposed fund design scenarii that were discussed in national consultations workshops.
• Recommended a pathway for the development of a national biodiversity funding mechanism.

Results: The project resulted in well identified biodiversity funding options building on domestic mechanisms, laying the foundation for an improved conservation financing approach in Cambodia.

The Tany Meva Foundation needed a comprehensive financing and fundraising strategy to secure sustainable funding for its conservation and community development projects across Madagascar.

In the context of this mission Rio Impact:

• Conducted an institutional analysis of the foundation’s current financial structure and funding approach.
• Identified new potential funding sources, including private and international donors.
• Developed a diversified fundraising strategy tailored to the foundation’s mission.
• Engaged stakeholders and donors in strategy discussions for long-term partnerships.

Results: The Tany Meva Foundation was equiped with a pragmatic and tailor-made financing and fundraising strategy, which significantly enhanced its capacity to attract sustainable funding and expand its environmental and social programs.

This project aimed to develop an impact fund that supports sustainable agriculture, forestry and ecosystem restoration, promoting green commodity value chains and nature-based solutions.

Tasks performed included:

• Market research on green commodities and ecosystem restoration opportunities.
• Development of a first fund pipeline in multiple geographies.
• Identification of potential investors and strategic partners to contribute to the fund capitalization and operationalization.

The Fund project has been part of the 2021 cohort of the Luxembourg International Climate Finance Accelerator (ICFA).

Results: The fund concept was designed, a first pipeline was developed and fundraising efforts started.

This project aimed to establish a Climate Investment Facility (CIF) to attract private sector investment into climate action projects in Madagascar, particularly in the clean energy, sustainable agriculture and forestry sectors.

In the context of this mission Rio Impact:

• Analyzed the market potential for private sector investments in climate action.
• Engaged stakeholders from government, private sector, and international donors.
• Developed a strategic framework for fund governance and operations.
• Designed key elements of the blended finance mechanism to reduce investment risks for the private sector.
• Proposed impact framework to monitor environmental and social returns on investments.

Result: The CIF concept was successfully designed, creating a vision towards enhanced private sector participation in Madagascar’s climate action.

As part of the GCF Readiness project “Improving access to climate finance in the Regions of the Kingdom of Morocco” implemented by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Rio Impact advised the design of a multi-sectoral National Financing Vehicle (NFV).

Coaching to the MNP management team on biodiversity financing and resource mobilization/fundraising approaches. Analysis of innovative and sustainable financing opportunities for MNP.

Leading a team of +8 national experts, and conducting national stakeholders consultations to develop the Algerian NBSAP “Biodiversity for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Adaptation”.

Development of pragmatic strategies and ideas to increase the financial resources available for the implementation of the National Adaptation Plan of Madagascar.

Advising on the implications of the development of a sustainable finance taxonomy in Rwanda on a new project of the Luxembourg cooperation (with focus on the emergence of green investment products).

Development of an emergency fund concept, in close collaboration with key actors at the national level. Proposal of governance and capitalization approaches, and support for the selection of the appropriate legal form. Development of the call for proposals for the selection of a fund manager.

Establishment of a local operational structure, creation of the endowment fund and different funding windows, mobilization of financial partners. Design of a variety of financing solutions, including debt for nature swaps, climate finance opportunities, private foundations, and partnerships with the private sector.