Last week (15–17 September 2025), DesirMED joined the Network Nature annual event in Brussels to connect with other Horizon Europe projects and exchange on pressing challenges around Nature-based solutions. 3 days full of discussions, workshops, open dialogue and new ideas.

Day 1, 15th September 2025: Network Nature Science-Policy Event

An event organized by ICLEI and UNEP-WCMC on “How can policy direct financial flows to Nature-based Solutions for a nature positive economy in the European Union?”.

Κey messages addressed by the speakers/panelists were:

• Bridging the funding gap: Significant new and better-structured funding streams are needed to make NbS investable, ensure land managers are fairly compensated, and attract private capital.
• Policy as an enabler: Strong policy frameworks are critical to align financial flows, create demand (e.g., through compliant schemes), and embed biodiversity into mainstream funding systems.
• Integrity and safeguards: Nature credits and finance mechanisms must be designed with scientific baselines, transparent monitoring, and safeguards against greenwashing, while ensuring benefits reach local communities.
• Private sector mobilisation: Awareness and practical methods for private investment in NbS remain limited; more work is needed to integrate NbS into real economic supply chains and scale start-up and reforestation financing.
• Nature-positive economy: The ultimate goal is a transition away from harmful economic practices towards systems that deliver a net positive impact on nature, driving resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Day 2, 16th September 2025: Network Nature Annual Event

The annual NN meeting organised by ICLEI and IUCN European Regional Office, took place under the theme "Choose Nature" and focused on unlocking pathways to a resilient economy for people and the planet.

Key messages/statements highlighted during different panels:

• Choosing nature for a good life for all. Nature is our future and essentially everything we are, we can’t exist without clean water and air. Current regulatory and policy frameworks are not protecting the planet.
• We need to bridge the biodiversity funding gap and embrace the superpower of nature.
• We need to transition towards a nature-positive economy that regenerates nature.

Day 3, 17th September 2025: Network Nature Taskforces Cluster Meeting

With the motto “Shaping Together the Future of Nature-based Solutions", the members of the NN Task Forces met including:

• A plenary session on cross-Taskforce collaboration and connections beyond the Network Nature community.
• Advancement of Network Nature Labs ideas through short presentations and a workshop-style co-creation session.
• Presentations on standardization work within Network Nature.
• An interactive session: Task Forces align their work with the R&I Roadmap and cluster in dedicated groups.
• A parallel session on NbS Hubs Capacity Building: tailored support to strengthen sustainability, secure long-term financing, and enhance stakeholder engagement.

Attending the events, was a great opportunity for DesirMED partners to hear discussions that strongly resonate with our focus on building pathways towards a resilient, nature-positive future.