September 26, 2025 | Blogs
The NetworkNature Annual Event 2025 brought together over 300 nature-based solutions (NbS) stakeholders under the theme “Choose Nature,” highlighting the urgent need to align economic systems with ecological resilience. Invest4Nature contributed key insights on financing NbS, showcasing how nature can be both a climate solution and a viable investment opportunity.
At this year’s NetworkNature Annual Event 2025, the theme “Choose Nature” resonated strongly with over 300 participants, reflecting the urgent need to align society and economy with the power of nature. The gathering once again confirmed its place as a key moment in the European nature-based solutions (NbS) calendar. For Invest4Nature, it was an excellent chance to be part of the moment in the room together with researchers, practitioners, and enterprises to exchange lessons and shape new collaborations in putting nature-based solutions forward. It aligns also very closely with Invest4Nature’s mission in promoting the economics and financing of nature-based solutions as part of a nature-positive future.
Lydia Maria Lienhart from Joanneum Research, coordinators of Invest4Nature, presented the latest insights from the project during a series of lightning talks at the Science-Policy Event which took place a day before the main event. Her input focused on innovative approaches to financing NbS. By addressing questions of investment readiness, business models, and financial mechanisms, Lydia highlighted how NbS can be positioned as not just environmentally necessary but economically viable for the nature-positive economy. This message tied directly to broader discussions at the event about the fact that over 55% of global GDP depends on nature – a critical reminder of the opportunities and risks linked to biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Aside from that, members of the Invest4Nature consortium who make up powerful voices in the field also delivered their messages on stage, including Marianne Zandersen from Aarhus University, and Siobhan McQuaid and Martina Brophy from Horizon Nua.
Beyond Invest4Nature, the event celebrated milestones across the NbS community. The launch of the NbS Business Forum, reflections on the role of nature-based enterprises, and creative formats like the postcard exhibition all underscored the diversity of approaches strengthening the case for nature. A particularly inspiring moment came with reflections that will stay with participants:
“It is the right moment to partner with nature”
“Let’s show society the real benefits and performance of NbS.”
These words encapsulate the collective drive to demonstrate the value of NbS for people, the economy, and the planet.
