A week ago, I attended the EU Business and Nature Summit (EBNS). Reading through my notes and reflecting on two days of discussions across multiple sessions, keynotes, panels, and coffee-break conversations, gave me a hopeful outlook on the work being done for nature.
Over the past few years, I’ve grown used to biodiversity events full of enthusiasm but a bit lacking practical perspectives. EBNS turned out to be a very positive surprise. Huge thanks to the organisers for blending policy and business perspectives so smoothly.
Nature is vital to all of us, and to the economy and business. Still, as many discussions highlighted, we need a stronger and clearer business case for nature. There are already many promising tools and concepts in place, including nature-based solutions, regenerative farming, nature restoration, ecological compensation, and nature credits. Biodiversity Net Gain policy in the UK also came up frequently during the sessions.
Thank you to all the colleagues and new contacts I had the chance to speak with over lunch or coffee. I listened carefully to your insights and came away with several ideas for how NaturAI can further support companies in their nature-related work. While many impacts on nature occur within value chains and are assessed through different forms of nature footprinting, there is a clear and growing need for data gathered directly from nature. To make better-informed decisions that reduce impacts and enhance biodiversity, it is wise to make use of the possibilities that technologies such as ecoacoustics and AI can offer.
EBNS showed that restoring nature is not only possible, it’s already underway. With the right data, partnerships, and ambition, we can accelerate this nature-positive shift together.
#EBNS #EBNS25 #nature #biodiversity #restoration #naturecredits #businessandbiodiversity #NBS #naturefinance #sustainablefinance #ecoacoustics #AI #naturetech
Kaarina Saramäki 