The Nature Conservancy appoints Global Strategy Lead for Nature Bonds Program

Martin Callow has been named Global Strategy Lead of The Nature Conservancy’s Nature Bonds Program.

With over two decades of experience designing and implementing sustainably-financed conservation strategies that benefit people around the world, Martin came to TNC from the Wildlife Conservation Society to serve as TNC’s Conservation Director for the Nature Bonds team. He has also served as the program’s acting portfolio lead for more than half a year.

In this new role, Martin will oversee TNC’s Nature Bonds portfolio, from the development of new projects to the implementation of closed transactions that unlock large-scale finance for durable conservation and climate outcomes. Martin will also play a critical role in strategic efforts to scale and accelerate the use of the Nature Bonds model through partnerships, including the Debt for Nature Coalition.

A bridge-builder, he brings with him a track record of working across complex global socio-political environments and a commitment to finding solutions through deep engagement with a diverse array of local stakeholders and international partners.

Martin is a trailblazer in the field, having helped launch the world’s first debt conversion for nature while serving as the CEO of SeyCCAT, the independent conservation trust fund established to receive and manage the funds unlocked by the first Nature Bonds project.

“I’m honored to step into this role and help guide the next phase of innovation and delivery for the Nature Bonds program,” Martin said. “What inspires me most is the chance to build on a foundation already shaped by extraordinarily talented colleagues across TNC, teams whose creativity, commitment, and deep technical expertise have made the Nature Bonds Program a proven solution for durable conservation and climate impact. I am also excited by the opportunity to co-develop new projects with partners, and to ensure our field teams and local institutions are supported in delivering at-scale, quality outcomes.”

The Nature Bonds Program is one of TNC’s most innovative and successful nature finance pathways. TNC pioneered the debt conversion for nature model, which works with countries, communities and financial and legal partners to refinance a nation’s sovereign debt to unlock large-scale funding and implement rigorous, lasting conservation and climate plans. Developed for countries with debt burdens but ambitious conservation and climate commitments and goals, Nature Bonds projects are designed to bring long-term funding for robust conservation and climate plans and to benefit communities. Through its first six projects, the program has unlocked $1 billion for conservation, communities and climate action, and generated commitments for the conservation and improved management of 242 million hectares of ocean, land and fresh water.

Martin will co-lead the Nature Bonds Program with Cat Burns, Managing Director of NatureVest, TNC’s impact investing and sustainable finance team. Together, they support the heightened leadership of regional field teams in design and delivery of outcomes through debt-for-nature strategies.