Nienke Stam leads the investment strategy under the Global Restoration Initiative where she manages WRI’s work on restoration markets and finance, including financing and providing technical assistance to restoration champions on the ground. 

Prior to joining WRI in early 2024, Nienke was Director of Landscape Finance at IDH, pioneering and managing blended finance for sustainable agriculture and forestry, and nature-based solutions, where she also held Investment Committee and Strategic Board positions for investment funds. Throughout her career, she served in varying roles in government, private sector, and not for profit, always with a focus on promoting inclusive business development and investment to accelerate sustainability transitions in land and energy. 

Nienke holds an MSc from Wageningen University, with a specialization in rural SME development. She currently lives in Washington D.C. and enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.