Nassau, Bahamas – Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Edward Davis KC, MP, today addressed the Carbon Markets and Financing Nature Reception, held in the Houses of Parliament, Westminster.
The event, co-sponsored by Bankers for Net Zero and Laconic Infrastructure Partners, brought together senior representatives from investment banks, pension funds, insurers, development banks, and philanthropic foundations to explore innovative finance for climate and nature.
In his pre-recorded address, Prime Minister Davis told the audience that The Bahamas faces the daily realities of climate change – from rising seas and stronger storms to fragile ecosystems. He emphasized, however, that the nation is determined to lead with solutions.
“We do not come to speak only of vulnerability – we come to speak of leadership, innovation, and partnership,” he said.
The Prime Minister highlighted the vast meadows of seagrass in Bahamian waters, which store up to 35 times more carbon than tropical rainforests and provide vital protection for marine life, fisheries, and coastal communities. Yet, he noted, ecosystems like seagrass have historically been undervalued in global finance.
“Article 6.2 cooperation, blended finance vehicles, and high-integrity carbon markets can transform the way we safeguard these ecosystems, ensuring they are protected not just as natural treasures, but as assets of global importance,” Prime Minister Davis said.
He underscored The Bahamas’ commitment to working closely with the UK and global partners to pioneer innovative finance models that mobilize institutional capital, protect nature, and deliver resilience and prosperity.
The reception reinforced The Bahamas’ role as a global leader in marine conservation and climate finance, showcasing how small island states can be at the forefront of both the challenges – and the solutions – to climate change.
Read full remarks here: https://opm.gov.bs/prime-minister-davis-climate-leadership-nature-finance-global-partnerships/