The conference featured several leading European policy makers and experts, including Siim Kiisler, Estonian Minister for the Enviroment, Kęstutis Navickas, Lithuanian Minister for the Enviroment, Stewart Maginnis, Global Director of Nature-based Solutions with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Hans Bruyninckx, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), Patrick Child and Joanna Drake, Deputy Director Generals in the European Commission, Lena Ek, President of Swedish forestry cooperative Södra, Marjolein Helder, CEO of Plant-E and member of the EU’s High Level Group of Innovators, and many others.
It was stated by many of the speakers that nature is an important source of inspiration for sustainable solutions and our focus must be on collaboration and the exchange of best practices. The conference highlighted the need to raise public awareness about nature-based solutions and the benefits they have to offer. Showcasing best practices and using digital platforms were also deemed to be important priorities. According to a recent Eurobarometer survey, 83% of Europeans are interested in the wider use of nature-based solutions. However, there is still much room for improvement with regard to public awareness about the potential applications and benefits offered by nature-based solutions.
The importance of nature conservation was also raised. It is important to approach nature systemically, i.e. preserving ecosystem health and biodiversity, while also restoring damaged ecosystems.
The conference also helped prove that Europe has the potential to become the leader in the field of nature-based solutions, possessing the necessary knowledge base, best practices, and, most importantly, political will. However, in order to better promote nature-based solutions, suitable business models that are based on sound science and viable case studies need to be developed. This approach will enable attracting more investors, and facilitating the dissemination of nature-based solutions across the world. Additionally, the mapping and assessing of ecosystem services must continue.
The conference made an impact to the environmental council conclusions of the Presidency of the Estonian Republic of the Council of the European Union.
The council stressed the importance of promoting the efficient, sustainable and circular use of bio-based materials through dissemination of knowledge on innovative nature-based solutions, best practices on the sustainable use of natural resources and support for innovation in the bio-economy.
In addition the council:
underlined that by inter alia setting ambitious targets for sustainability, regions, cities and towns play a significant role in testing new solutions and pilot projects, thus catalysing eco-innovation;
recognized that nature-based solutions and green urban infrastructures offer innovative and multifunctional ways of reducing pollution and addressing local challenges, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, social inclusion, and balancing living and work spaces as well as public and private green spaces;
requested the Commission to map the areas where nature-based solutions have the highest potential for environmental performance improvement;
and called on the Member States and their regional and local authorities to set ambitious and realistic targets for sustainability, introduce nature-based solutions in regional development and spatial plans, develop partnerships and learn from best practices.
