The NetworkNature EU 2025 Annual Event is a wrap. On 16 September, over 300 people gathered in Brussels to explore intersections and challenge points between competitiveness, prosperity, biodiversity, and business. Under the theme Choose Nature: Unlocking pathways to a resilient economy for people and the planet, the event explored explored different means to align biodiversity and economy in times of urgency, building on the concept of Nature-based solutions.
The gathering demonstrated why this annual meeting has become a cornerstone for the Nature-based Solutions (NbS) community in Europe. As climate extremes intensify, biodiversity continues to decline, and economic uncertainties grow, nature is increasingly recognised as a vital ally. The event provided a space to connect across sectors, exchange solutions, and reaffirm that building resilience means putting nature at the centre of decision-making.
Throughout the day, speakers underlined the urgency of change:
We cannot exist without breathable air, clean water, edible food and the ecosystems that provide them...The current legal and regulatory framework is not protecting the planet. This must change.-Sue Miller, Stop Ecocide International.
55% of global GDP is moderately or heavily dependent on natures- Martina Brophy, Horizon Nua.
Some things, like biodiversity, are irreplaceable. We know from the geologic record, recovery takes millions of years -Humberto Rosa, DG Environment.
Art is often seen as an extra thing for happy days, and a thing to be dropped in troubled times. An accessory. Why choose nature? Why do we care? They make our souls grow. Nature and art can power transformation- Luis Amália, Artist.
Globally and locally it is the vulnerable who suffer most and bear the highest impact of biodiversity loss. These groups are also the least to blame. At the same time, we all care. Let’s use this emotion as a force-Sander Jacobs, INBO (Research Institute for Nature and Forest - Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek).
The event also highlighted concrete pathways for action. Grenoble-Alpes Métropole presented a local biodiversity strategy that considers soils, skies, and community outreach. In the Czech Republic, over 200 experts are working on a national nature restoration plan. The MERLIN project is collaborating with communities to remeander streams, while the REWRITE project is exploring ways to let the sea return while fostering resilience.
Closing the day, Project Coordinator Daniela Rizzi reflected on the growth of the NetworkNature community, which has expanded from four nature-based solutions projects to more than 100. We can’t wait to see who joins us next year.
A huge thank you goes out to IUCN European Regional Office for leading the event organisation, Brussels Environment for hosting the event, all of the speakers and exhibitors, and ICLEI Europe for supporting the event throughout the process.
The Annual Event wasn’t however the only reason projects gathered in Brussels, this week was also the annual in person meeting for the NetworkNature Task Forces.
This year, the NetworkNature labs were the focus of the Task Force gathering. Funded by NetworkNature but driven by the Task Forces, these labs enable innovative cross-task force collaborations. Ranging from events, to publications, to software, the labs strive to not only raise awareness of the importance of #NaturebasedSolutions beyond the EU Horizon project sphere, but also to raise engagement.
NN Labs
NbS 101 for Hungarian journalists - How to recognize NbS and tell their stories
From Planning to Action - A Summer School on Urban NbS for Professionals
IM-NbS - Advancing Impact Measurement of Nature-based Solutions
Co-creating NbS in the context of informal settlements - Joint lessons with a case in the Global South
An open-source citizen app - To map freshwater barriers and biodiversity features
DSS - The Co-creation – Co-governance Online Decision Support System
Integrating Insurance - and NbS for Resilience – shared dissemination & exploitation activities
The NbS Fresco - an educational and awareness-raising tool
Looking ahead, the 2026 NetworkNature Annual Event and Task Force Day will be even bigger, featuring the first-ever Nature-based Solutions Cities Festival. This new format will bring together city leaders, businesses, researchers, and communities to scale up action and celebrate how nature is transforming Europe’s future. Sign up here for updates!
A huge thank you went to IUCN European Regional Office for leading the event organisation, Brussels Environment for hosting, all speakers and exhibitors, and ICLEI Europe for supporting the event throughout the process.
Stay tuned for the upcoming Annual Event Report!
