The world faces unprecedented loss of biodiversity and deterioration of nature, which has serious implications for the global economy and human well-being. Previous and current approaches to protect nature failed in stopping or reversing this negative trend. Therefore, it is transformational change urgently needed to achieve a vision in which biodiversity is valued, protected and used wisely, ensuring ecosystem services and a healthy planet for all.

What is transformational change?

Transformational change is fundamental and systemic reorganization within technical, economic and social factors, including paradigms, goals and values. It is not only a change in strategies and activities, but also a change in the way people perceive the world, structures and practicesThis change focuses on deep causes of biodiversity loss, which are:

• disconnection from nature and dominance over it and over people,
• concentration of power and wealth,
• prioritizing short-term, individual, and material gains.

Principles of transformational change

Four key principles are essential for successful transformational change:

1. equality and justice,
2. pluralism and inclusion,
3. respectful and reciprocal relationships between people and nature,
4. adaptive learning and action.

These principles are important for addressing the root causes of biodiversity loss and for change process management in a way that is sensitive to unexpected or negative impacts.

Challenges and obstacles to transformational change

Transformational change is facing systemic, persistent and pervasive challengesThe main obstacles include:

• dominance relationships over nature and people,
• economic and political inequalities,
• inadequate policies and inappropriate institutions,
• unsustainable patterns of consumption and production,
• limited access to clean technologies and uncoordinated knowledge and innovation systems.

These challenges manifest as barriersthat hinder transformative change. In addition, powerful groups with personal interests they use resources to protect their interests, thereby slowing down transformational change.

Strategies and actions for transformational change

To accelerate transformational change, five key strategies and associated actions:

1. Urban protection and restoration valuable for nature and people.
2. Implementing system changes in the sectors that contribute most to biodiversity loss.
3. Transformation of economic systems for the benefit of nature and justice.
4. Transformation of management systems so that they are integrated, inclusive, responsible and adaptive.
5. Shifting social views and valuesto recognize and prioritize the fundamental interconnectedness between humans and nature.

Key steps for transformational change:

• Creating shared positive visions: It is important to create visions that recognize the interconnectedness of social and ecological systems. Visions should include diverse values and perspectives and should support indigenous knowledge.
• Cooperation and partnerships: Transformative change requires collaboration between diverse actors, including governments, businesses, civil society, indigenous peoples, and local communities.
• Political support: Governments have a key role in promoting policies and regulations that support nature conservation and sustainability.
• Changing economic paradigms: It is necessary to reorient economic systems to prioritize nature and social justice over private interests.
• Education and awareness: Education and communication are essential for changing societal views and values.

Examples of transformational change

There are many initiatives that have transformative potential. For example:

• Marine reserves, which are managed jointly by fishermen, scientists and government, are yielding positive results in terms of biodiversity conservation and local economies.
• Agroecological transitionsthat promote biodiversity and justice in food systems.
• Technological innovations using financial technologies for nature conservation and tree planting.
• Community conservation projects which are based on the values of coexistence, dignity and human rights.

Transformational change is urgent, necessary and challenging, but achievableTo save biodiversity and secure a sustainable future, it is essential to adopt a new way of thinking and acting. This requires joint efforts of all stakeholders in society a determination to make fundamental changes in our values, structures and practices. Despite the obstacles, there are many examples of transformational change which prove that positive results for nature and people are possible. The key to success is determination, cooperation, and faith into a better future for our planet. Spring