Jessica Smith

Nature Lead at UNEP FI - United Nations Environment – Finance Initiative

Jessica Smith has led on Nature at the UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) since 2020, spearheading efforts with banks, insurers, and investors to align global financial systems with nature-positive and net-zero goals through more resilient ecosystems. She oversees UNEP FI’s Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Initiative, driving portfolio alignment in more than 80 members in support of ocean resilience and more sustainable marine industries. Jessica has co-developed a leading framework for aligning financial flows with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, lead in forming the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and leads research on equitable finance for community-led conservation.