Speakers

Gregory Watson is the Chief of the Biodiversity and Natural Capital Unit at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), where he leads innovative initiatives in natural capital finance, biodiversity mainstreaming, and nature-based solutions. He spearheaded the Natural Capital Mainstreaming Action Plan, co-led the development of nature finance metrics for the MDB Working Group on Nature, and played a key role in drafting the MDB Joint Statement on Nature, People and Planet for COP26. Watson has also co-led major debt-for-nature conversions in Barbados, the Bahamas, and Ecuador, supported the creation of the first Biodiversity Credit Bank in Latin America and the Caribbean, and contributed to the Bank’s first oceans-related equity investment. His work focuses on integrating natural capital into public policy, investment frameworks, and financial markets across the region. He holds a master’s degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University.

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is the leading source of development financing and knowledge for Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, it supports 26 borrowing member countries through loans, technical assistance, and research aimed at reducing poverty, improving public services, and fostering sustainable, inclusive growth. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the IDB operates across the region and collaborates globally to mobilize resources and expertise. Together with IDB Invest and IDB Lab, it forms the IDB Group, promoting public- and private-sector development, innovation, and climate-resilient investment aligned with its institutional strategy for 2024–2030.