Pathways & partnerships towards a nature-positive economy

GoNaturePositive! launches with four days of important discussions exploring the nature-positive economy.

The newly launched EU-funded project, GoNaturePositive!, kicked off last week with a dynamic four-day programme focused on building a shared vision and fostering discussions on the nature-positive economy.

Day 1: Building a Common Vision (March 4th)

The opening day, hosted by Ian Brannigan and Helena Deane of the Western Development Commission at The Dean Hotel in Galway, centred on team building for the GoNaturePositive! consortium. Partners came together to co-create a shared vision based on their diverse objectives and strengths, fostering collaboration for the project’s success.

Welcome at the Dean Hotel, Galway

Day 2: Building effective WP and cross-WP teams (March 5th)

Day two was held at the awe-inspiring Marine Institute in Galway. In the morning, Professor Joseph Bull of the University of Oxford offered an introduction to the concept of the nature-positive economy, sparking discussions on the possibilities for its definition. In the afternoon, we were treated to a dynamic range of speakers with a spotlight on the pilots, including talks from Rick Officer, CEO of the Marine Institute and Dr Eugene Farrell from the University of Galway discussing coastal resilience followed by a Panel discussion: Going nature positive in the blue economy with Máire Ní Enniú from Udarás na Gaeltachta, Oliver Tully, Cuan Beo and Laura Dixon, Climate Action Officer representing the Mayo County Council contributing. We ended the day with a site visit to BIA in Athenry, who are dedicated to transforming food chains towards Regenerative Agriculture.

GoNaturePositive! partners at the Marine Institute, Galway.

Day 3: Public Launch “Go Nature Positive! Pathways and partnerships towards a nature-positive economy”(March 6th)

Day 3 welcomed the hybrid public launch of GoNaturePositive! at Dublin’s Trinity Business School, with an engaging keynote address from special guest Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Electoral Reform, discussing Ireland’s vision and roadmap towards a nature-positive economy. While over 150 people joined online, Jane Stout, Vice President for Biodiversity & Climate Action and Chair of GoNaturePositive! Impact Board and Laurent Muzellec, Dean of Trinity Business School, welcomed a packed auditorium before John Bell, European Commission’s ‘Healthy Planet” Director, took to the virtual stage to outline the strategic importance of GoNaturePositive! within the context of EC policy transitions on Climate Change, Bioeconomy, Food Systems, Environment, Biodiversity, Water, Circular Economy, Oceans and the European Green Deal.

From left to right: Prof. Laurent Muzellec, Prof. Mary-Lee Rohdes, Minister Malcolm Noonan, Dr. Dharm Kapletia, Dr. Siobhan McQuaid, and Prof. Jane Stout.

After, we were treated to a captivating introduction to GoNaturePositive! by Siobhan McQuaid of Trinity Business School, finishing with Joseph Bull, presenting current definitions of the nature-positive economy and posed challenging questions about what the nature-positive economy might mean for business and society. This was followed by a dynamic roundtable discussion with over 100 stakeholders representing diverse sectors, such as policy, civil society, businesses, and environmental NGOs. The discussion focused on exploring different perspectives on the nature-positive economy and fostering collaboration across sectors.

In the afternoon, nature-positive practitioners took to the stage to discuss industry trends and challenges as part of Nature Futures 2024. Moderated by Kieran Farrell of Horizon Nua, over 300 people registered online for this event featuring nature-based enterprises in:

The context for industry trends was set by Oisin Klinkenbergh, who presented preliminary results from a survey of 100+ nature-based enterprises across Europe. This survey, undertaken as part of the Invest4Nature project, highlighted that while demand for NBS continues to grow at an exponential rate, little is understood about the supply side of NBS and how this demand will be met.

Isobel Fletcher, CEO Horizon Nua, Malcolm Noonan, Minister of State for Nature and Anabela Lança, Vale de Esteva – NBE in Portugal; Photos 2,3,4 e 5: Presentation og GoNaturePositive! in Trinity Collage, Dublin.

After, we were treated to a captivating introduction to GoNaturePositive! by Siobhan McQuaid of Trinity Business School, finishing with Joseph Bull, presenting current definitions of the nature-positive economy and posed challenging questions about what the nature-positive economy might mean for business and society. This was followed by a dynamic roundtable discussion with over 100 stakeholders representing diverse sectors, such as policy, civil society, businesses, and environmental NGOs. The discussion focused on exploring different perspectives on the nature-positive economy and fostering collaboration across sectors.

In the afternoon, nature-positive practitioners took to the stage to discuss industry trends and challenges as part of Nature Futures 2024. Moderated by Kieran Farrell of Horizon Nua, over 300 people registered online for this event featuring nature-based enterprises in:

The context for industry trends was set by Oisin Klinkenbergh, who presented preliminary results from a survey of 100+ nature-based enterprises across Europe. This survey, undertaken as part of the Invest4Nature project, highlighted that while demand for NBS continues to grow at an exponential rate, little is understood about the supply side of NBS and how this demand will be met.

The day closed with three parallel sections, each dedicated to driving the transition towards a nature-positive economy:

Financing GoNaturePositive! explored the expansion of blended financing for Nature-based Solutions (NBS) with insights from leaders across sectors, including the EC, IUCN, UNEP-WCMC, EBRD, and various research institutions.

Businesses GoNaturePositive! highlighted the corporate shift towards sustainability, with discussions led by representatives from the EC Business@Biodiversity platform, ICLEI, KPMG, and the World Benchmarking Alliance, focusing on the acceleration of business actions for nature-positive transformations.

Communities GoNaturePositive! emphasised the crucial role of community engagement. Led by David Maddox of The Nature of Cities, this interactive session spotlighted the activation of citizens in supporting nature-positive changes.

This condensed gathering underscored the multifaceted approach needed to foster a sustainable, nature-positive future, combining finance, business innovation, and community action. The day culminated in a drinks reception held in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin, providing attendees with a splendid opportunity for networking and reflection on the day’s discussions in one of the city’s most historic settings.

Day 4: NBS Site visits and Trinity Business Forum (March 7th)

The final day offered three parallel activities. The GoNaturePositive! Impact Board meeting explored synergies with existing initiatives towards a shared goal of nature-positive transformation. In parallel, the Nature-based Solutions Task Force 3 Workshop focused on aligning EU project activities with EC-EIB actions to highlight successful examples of blended financing of NNS. The third parallel session, led by Professor Marcus Collier of Trinity College Dublin, offered participants a walking tour to showcase award-winning urban NBS projects in Dublin. This site visit emphasised the importance of co-creation and community engagement within the context of the nature-positive economy.

GoNaturePositive! Consortium. Old Library, Trinity College, Dublin

Siobhan McQuaid of Trinity Business School played a key role in organising and leading these events, with valuable support from the Trinity College Dublin team, Horizon Nua, ICLEI and all partners. The four-day launch of GoNaturePositive! successfully brought together stakeholders and experts, fostering dialogue and paving the way for real action and impact.

Find the full event agenda here.

Standard Bodies

Your work helps ensure transparent and reliable practices across industries. Partner with us to create and promote standards for a nature-positive future.

Who are you

You could be working with industry-specific standard-setting bodies or certification schemes. You might be involved in developing, implementing, or auditing environmental and sustainability standards.

Why you're crucial

Your role in developing standards is key to avoiding greenwashing and supporting transparency and accountability across the NPE.
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Researches & Academics

We’re gathering experts to understand and measure the Nature-Positive Economy. Be part of our effort to break down silos and advance global research on this crucial topic.

Who are you

You might be a professor, scientist, PhD student, or researcher in fields related to environmental science, economics, or business sustainability, or any discipline contributing to the Nature-Positive Economy.

Why you're crucial

Your research and academic insights are fundamental to developing a clear definition and conceptual framework for NPE.
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Citizens & Communities

Your daily choices and community actions are the foundation of a Nature-Positive world. Join us in building communities that prioritise both people and nature. 

Who are you

You are individuals, community leaders, local activists, or members of grassroots organisations who care about nature and want to make a difference locally.

Why you're crucial

Your deep understanding of unique environmental challenges is key to shaping an effective and inclusive Nature-Positive Economy.
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Environmental Bodies & NGOs

Your experience and knowledge are invaluable in shaping what a Nature-Positive Economy means for people and the environment.

Who are you

You could be working for or leading environmental organisations, conservation groups, sustainability-focused NGOs, or any non-profit entity dedicated to protecting and restoring nature at local, national or international level.

Why you're crucial

Your deep understanding of unique environmental challenges is key to shaping an effective and inclusive Nature-Positive Economy.
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Finance & Investors

You are already showing how to work with nature, your experience can help others do the same. Partner with us to co-create a future for the Nature-Positive Economy.


Who are you

You might be an investment banker, venture capitalist, public funder, angel investor, insurance company representative, or anyone involved in financial decision-making who could support nature-positive initiatives across different sectors.


Why you're crucial

Your role in creating conditions and incentives for NPE investment is fundamental to its long-term success.
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Nature-based Enterprises

You are already showing how to work with nature, your experience can help others do the same. Partner with us to co-create a future for the Nature-Positive Economy.


Who are you

You could be running or working in businesses that directly work with and for nature as a core element of a product or service, such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries or tourism. 



Why you're crucial

Your expertise in working with and for nature is essential for developing and implementing the NPE framework, and for inspiring others to follow your lead. 
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Business

Your success is vital for demonstrating that prosperity, competitiveness and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. We’re here to support you in generating value through nature-positive practices.

Who are you

You might be a CEO, sustainability officer, business owner, or manager in any sector looking to integrate nature-positive practices into your operations. This includes both large corporations and SMEs.

Why you're crucial

Your understanding of nature’s impact and dependencies on business is key to aligning with the NPE concept.
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Policymakers

Your success is vital for demonstrating that prosperity, competitiveness and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. We’re here to support you in generating value through nature-positive practices.

Who are you

You could be a local government employee, a member of the EU Commission, a national policy advisor, or anyone involved in creating and implementing environmental, economic and social policies at any level.

Why you're crucial

Your role in adapting policies, regulations, and guidance is essential for aligning with systemic change towards a Nature-Positive Economy.

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