How can businesses contribute to biodiversity restoration while strengthening their own long-term resilience? This question will be at the heart of a meeting on 30 June in Utrecht, centred on the recently published IPBES Business & Biodiversity Report. Dutch authors of the report will present its key findings and place them in the context of the Dutch economy.

During this event, scientists, businesses, financial institutions and policymakers will share the latest insights on the relationship between biodiversity and the economy, and explore how these insights can be translated into concrete action.

Biodiversity Matters to the Economy

Biodiversity loss is not only an ecological challenge; it is also an economic and financial risk for businesses, sectors and societies worldwide. Our economy depends heavily on healthy ecosystems. When biodiversity declines, it affects employment, food security, health and well-being, among many other aspects of society.

The recently published IPBES Business & Biodiversity Report highlights how businesses depend on biodiversity and ecosystem services, while also identifying opportunities to bring economic activities more in line with the limits and capacities of nature. The report provides practical guidance for companies seeking to reduce their impact on biodiversity and actively contribute to a nature-positive economy.

From Report to Practice

During the meeting, Dutch authors will present the report’s key findings and discuss their relevance in the Dutch context. Representatives from the business community, financial sector and government will then engage in a dialogue on how the report’s recommendations can be translated into concrete actions.

The afternoon programme will feature inspiring case studies and interactive breakout sessions on topics including nature-inclusive leadership, investing in nature, integrating biodiversity into business strategies, biodiversity finance, biodiversity net gain, and sustainability in international food supply chains.

Practical Information and Programme

Date: Tuesday, 30 June 2026
Location: De LiK, Wolvenplein 27, 3512 CK Utrecht, The Netherlands
Time: 09:00 – 17:00

Programme

09:00 – Registration, coffee and tea

09:30 – Opening and introduction: What is IPBES?

09:45 – Introduction to the IPBES Business & Biodiversity Report by the Dutch authors, including a translation of the report’s findings to the Dutch context

10:30 – Panel discussion with representatives from business, the financial sector and government: How do we put the report into practice?

11:00 – Break

11:15 – Practical examples and an interactive activity

12:30 – Lunch

13:15 – Breakout Session Round 1: Pathways to a Nature-Positive Economy

• Leadership in Transformation – Alexander de Bruin, IWP Sustainable Transformation
• Investing in Nature – NFP Netherlands Food Partnership and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), in collaboration with RVO, Triodos Bank, Sail Investment, Rabobank, ABN AMRO and PBAF
• How to Build a Business Case for Biodiversity Action – Dutch Butterfly Conservation (De Vlinderstichting)
• How to Integrate Biodiversity into Your Business Strategy – FutureUp Community of Practice and LVVN

14:15 – Break

14:30 – Breakout Session Round 2: Pathways to a Nature-Positive Economy

• Going Nature-Positive with Biodiversity Net Gain – IUCN and Eneco
• Giving Nature a Voice in Your Organisation – Heijmans
• Sustainability in International Food Supply Chains: Lessons from Practice – Nature’s Pride
• Unlocking Private Investment in Biodiversity: Lessons from FMO Investments

15:30 – Break

15:45 – Closing session

Registration

Interested participants can register for the event. To secure your place, please register no later than 12 June. The registration form includes additional information about the breakout sessions and allows participants to indicate their preferences.

About IPBES

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body that strengthens the interface between science and policy on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The Business & Biodiversity Report underscores that biodiversity loss represents an economic and financial risk for all sectors and businesses. At the same time, it demonstrates the opportunities available to build an economy that supports, rather than undermines, nature restoration.