Choose nature.
Unlocking pathways to a resilient economy for people and the planet.
“Transformative change is urgent because there is a closing window of opportunity to avoid further biodiversity loss and prevent triggering the potentially irreversible decline and projected collapse of key ecosystem functions. Delaying action to achieve global sustainability is costly compared with the benefits of taking action now”
This statement opens the summary for policymakers of the IPBES Assessment Report on Transformative Change and warns us about the risks of failing to address biodiversity loss with the urgency the situation demands.
At the same time, current EU political priorities aim to foster competitiveness, to ensure that European businesses can thrive in the global marketplace. This, coupled with a shifting geopolitical context, may signal a shift in focus — from ambitious environmental targets to a stronger emphasis on economic growth.
This seemingly divergent context invites us to reflect on the possible opportunities and challenges of addressing these questions together. The NetworkNature Annual Event 2025 “Choose Nature” will explore different means to align biodiversity and economy in times of urgency, building on the concept of Nature-based solutions.
We will hear from a broad range of stakeholders, from the public and private sectors, examine diverse ideas, exchange knowledge, explore initiatives and share case studies that link nature with climate, economy, innovation, finance and business and wellbeing. Through pitches and discussions, we will delve into pathways to build a resilient economy that benefits both people and nature. The event will also encourage stakeholders to engage with and adopt these approaches.
The event will be structured around four thematic sections:
- Choose to Work with and for nature – This session will explore how supporting and enhancing nature can help build a more resilient economy. Additionally, it will discuss how simplification can enhance environmental ambition.
- Choose to Trust nature and people –This session will delve into the concept of dependency, highlighting nature’s ability to provide both essential ecosystem services, and solutions to complex problems. It will present Nature-based Solutions as innovative approaches — grounded in diverse knowledges and shaped with local communities — to current challenges.
- Choose to Invest in nature – Focusing on innovative finance mechanisms, this session will explore and discuss the many reasons that public and private organisations should invest in nature, and how to sustainably scale up financial flows that support a nature positive economy.
- Choose to Partner with nature – In the closing session, a range of businesses working with nature will share key insights from their business models, highlighting opportunities, barriers, needs and strategies for nature-positive business practices.
Full agenda available here.
In parallel to the main event, the exhibition Why Choose Nature? / Why do we care? will invite you and your organisation to explore the diverse (and divergent) reasons why working with nature is essential and why you should care about it.
Curated through this open call, this exhibition will compile a variety of resources, experiences and types of knowledges, all highlighting how nature-based approaches can encourage and build on a wide range of perspectives in relation to nature. This concept is inspired by the IPBES Values Assessment report on integrating diverse values of nature into decision-making and aims to contribute to a meaningful exchange during the event. This open call has been developed by NetworkNature in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences SLU (Florence Damiens) and count on the support of Brussels Environment.
Finally, during the event, NetworkNature will officially launch the NbS Business Forum and offer a space to showcase diverse nature-based business models. The NbS Business Forum aims to bring together corporates, SMEs, nature-based enterprises, and financial actors in a collaborative space to accelerate the market uptake and scaling of Nature-based Solutions. This space will be curated via Businesses that choose nature. Open Call.
See the full event agenda here.
