Conservation and Nature Finance
Learn how innovative finance strategies are transforming the field of conservation. This course will teach you how to leverage financial markets using tools to build coalitions of funders and stakeholders to make ambitious conservation goals a reality. Discover how to build toward a future where economies and ecosystems thrive together and capital flows are tools for protecting the planet.
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Overview
Unlock the power of capital to protect the planet. The ASU Conservation Finance Professional Certificate will teach you how to use innovative financial tools to drive real, nature-positive solutions. Learn how to structure deals that preserve and restore ecosystems, strengthen communities, and balance return, risk, and impact.
Key Benefits
- Understand the mechanics of conservation and nature finance
- Analyze trade-offs between ecological and financial priorities
- Learn how viable finance mechanisms are designed
- Translate between conservation impact and investability
What’s Included
- Three self-paced modules with expert-led videos and readings
- Practical case studies and applied project assignments
- Frameworks for risk, ROI, and stakeholder alignment
- Tools for project mapping and financial design
- Final project: a conservation finance pitch or proposal
Working on real-world projects, you’ll build the practical fluency and confidence to structure finance that delivers measurable conservation outcomes and advances your career in this rapidly growing field.
Course content is developed by leading experts from Conservation International, Arizona State University, and Seth Collins, co-Executive Director of Skill Up for Earth.
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Who this course is designed for:
- Designed for mid-career professionals in conservation, sustainability, and/or finance
- Ideal for those seeking to learn innovative financial strategies to advance conservation and protect the planet
- Suitable for individuals aiming to leverage finance mechanisms to deliver measurable financial, ecological, and social outcomes
Outcomes
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Explain key conservation finance mechanisms and their applications
- Structure and evaluate finance flows for conservation projects
- Assess and mitigate financial, social, and ecological risks
- Align stakeholders and governance structures for inclusive outcomes
- Communicate conservation finance strategies to investors and policymakers
Practical skills you will develop
This program equips learners with vital skills to thrive in today’s complex workforce. Key skills include:
These skills apply to these careers
Sustainability specialist
Helps organizations integrate sustainability and ESG strategies into their financial and operational decision-making. Advises on reporting, compliance, and long-term planning.
Environmental manager
Oversees corporate environmental strategy, ensures compliance with sustainability regulations, and leads ESG reporting and performance initiatives.
Financial analyst
Evaluates financial performance of investment portfolios, including those that integrate ESG or conservation impact. Can work in asset management, banking, or development finance.
Contact information
Have additional questions?
Please reach out directly to Tye Waggoner ([email protected]) for assistance with the programs content.