ECOnomy: seminar on strategic investment in nature, drive to sustainable economic growth, resilience, and innovation

This seminar explores how strategic investment in nature can drive sustainable economic growth, resilience and innovation across the European Union. It focuses on aligning financial systems, business practices and public policy with biodiversity restoration and ecosystem services.

Objectives:

• highlight the economic value of nature and ecosystem services;
• showcase successful models of nature-based investment and green financing;
• foster dialogue between policymakers, businesses and civil society on integrating biodiversity into economic decision-making; and
• identify practical pathways to scale up investments that support both environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness.

The seminar is designed for investors, sustainability professionals, environmental NGOs, researchers and business leaders interested in green transition strategies. It also welcomes students and citizens engaged in sustainability topics.

The event will be held as a hybrid seminar (in-person and online), combining keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive audience engagement. The format encourages knowledge exchange and collaboration among participants from diverse sectors.

Activities planned:

• opening keynote setting the scene on the role of nature in Europe’s economic future;
• expert panel discussion with insights from finance, policy and business leaders on scaling nature-positive investments;
• case study presentations showcasing real-world examples of projects integrating biodiversity into economic models;
• interactive Q&A session with speakers exploring challenges and opportunities; and
• networking segment with facilitated discussions to encourage partnerships and idea-sharing among participants.

The seminar aims to inspire actionable change by demonstrating that investing in nature is not only an environmental imperative but also a smart economic strategy for Europe’s future.