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Investing in Nature: A Bibliometric Analysis of Biodiversity Finance and Its Contribution to SDGs 14 and 15

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  • Kanwal Iqbal Khan
  • Ayesha Shehzad

Abstract

Biodiversity finance is a burgeoning field crucial to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Previous studies solely focused on biodiversity finance without linking it with broader perspectives of SDGs, particularly 14 and 15, highlighting the need to integrate the financial mechanism with these specific sustainability goals. The current study aims to explore the existing literature on biodiversity finance and its relevance to SDGs 14 and 15. It has conducted a bibliometric analysis from 1975 to 2024 based on the data extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, identified research gaps, existing practices, and trends, and suggested potential areas for further exploration. The findings underscore the critical importance of cross‐disciplinary collaboration in supporting the attainment of SDGs. Results reported an increasing tendency in the number of publications and citations over the years. The United States is the most prominent country in terms of publications, institutional affiliation, and corresponding author production. Australia is reportedly the most collaborative country due to its connections with 13 countries. Sustainable finance, climate change, and biodiversity finance are trending topics. The study identified six research themes through thematic analysis: financial systems for conservation management and SDGs attainment, environmental and financial initiatives for human and biodiversity protection, integrated strategies for nature conservation and sustainable tourism, conservation finance and biodiversity management, environmental finance and green economy, and nature‐based solutions. These results will highlight the significance of integrating biodiversity finance with the SDGs framework for addressing global environmental, social, economic, and policy issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Kanwal Iqbal Khan & Ayesha Shehzad, 2025. "Investing in Nature: A Bibliometric Analysis of Biodiversity Finance and Its Contribution to SDGs 14 and 15," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(4), pages 5436-5457, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:4:p:5436-5457
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3416
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