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Debt-for-Nature Swaps: Shadows in a Shiny ‘New’ Business Niche

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  • Iolanda Fresnillo

    (European Network on Debt and Development (Eurodad))

Abstract

While debt-for-nature swaps are not new, since 2021 we have seen increased interest in these operations. Recent debt-for-nature swap deals in Belize, Ecuador or Gabon have been presented as ground-breaking financial innovations to help countries tackle debt vulnerabilities at the same time as providing resources for nature conservation. While it is still soon to fully assess their efficiency and impacts, this article reviews the limitations and shadows behind these operations and the push for escalating debt-for-nature swaps.

Suggested Citation

  • Iolanda Fresnillo, 2024. "Debt-for-Nature Swaps: Shadows in a Shiny ‘New’ Business Niche," Development, Palgrave Macmillan;Society for International Deveopment, vol. 67(3), pages 260-269, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:develp:v:67:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1057_s41301-025-00420-2
    DOI: 10.1057/s41301-025-00420-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mr. Marcos d Chamon & Erik Klok & Mr. Vimal V Thakoor & Mr. Jeromin Zettelmeyer, 2022. "Debt-for-Climate Swaps: Analysis, Design, and Implementation," IMF Working Papers 2022/162, International Monetary Fund.
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