On 4-5 June 2025, over 150 participants gathered in Brussels and online for a key two-day event, bringing together 11 projects funded under the Horizon Europe cluster on transformational change for biodiversity. Projects such as CLEVER, BioValue, RAINFOREST, BAMBOO, BEDROCK, BioAgora, BIONEXT, BIOTraCes and TRANSPATH, PLANET4B and DAISY joined forces to share knowledge and experiences. The main objective of this meeting was create a common space for reflection on how to more effectively integrate biodiversity into public policy-making, spatial planning and socio-economic systems.

The event was not just about presenting isolated results; instead, the projects focused on exploring the deeper shifts needed to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Prominent participants included leading researchers such as Maria Rosário Partidario from IST, coordinator of BioValue, and Jan Börner from the University of Bonn, coordinator of CLEVER, who shared their findings. Policymakers and representatives from the European Commission, including Humberto Rosa (DG ENV), Gilles Doignon (DG R&I) and Anne Teller (former DG ENV), highlighted the central role of biodiversity for the economy, the environment and societyThe event was enriched with interactive workshops and policy discussions, opening up a much-needed debate on how to reorient institutions, narratives and planning frameworks around biodiversity as a fundamental societal value. Each project also contributed poster presentations highlighting key insights from their research, practical case studies and good practices, stimulating further discussions.

One of the main ideas that emerged from the event is that Tackling biodiversity loss requires systems thinking, where biodiversity is not considered an additional element but a fundamental pillar in shaping the future. It was discussed that transformative change cannot succeed without addressing issues of justice, equity and inclusion. An important emphasis was placed on the need for more participatory and inclusive planning processes that give a voice to diverse communities, especially those most affected by environmental degradation. Humberto Rosa, representative of the European Commission, stressed that biodiversity can only be protected and integrated through “enlightened human interest”, underlining its irreplaceable role for quality of life, food security and resilience. He also noted that although biodiversity has long been a secondary policy priority, The EU Green Deal has brought new impetus for change.

Participants recognised the fragmentation that often hinders effective action on biodiversity. A key lesson was therefore the necessity of integrated governance – across sectors, levels and institutions. By aligning environmental objectives with economic, social and territorial agendas, policymakers can unlock synergies and avoid trade-offs. There was also a strong call over the two days to change the way biodiversity is framed in public discourse. Instead of narratives of loss and constraints, biodiversity needs to be communicated as a source of resilience, well-being and long-term prosperityThe language used in policy-making and planning is not neutral – it shapes perceptions and determines priorities.

The two-day gathering represented a significant step towards building a shared understanding of what transformative change means for biodiversity. It demonstrated the power of collaboration – across projects, disciplines and sectors – in challenging conventional approaches and opening new paths for change. All key insights, discussions and outcomes of the event will be summarised in a white paper, which will serve as a summary of collective findings and reflections, culminating in policy recommendations. This document will bring together project results, shared lessons and forward-looking recommendations, contributing to a broader dialogue on transformative change for biodiversity and informing future policies and practice. As Horizon Europe projects continue their scientific work, the momentum generated in Brussels will continue to drive collective learning and cross-sectoral innovation for biodiversity. Spring