Nature by Design: A decade of IUCN–Monaco collaboration driving circular solutions for biodiversity
Join the conversation to discover the added value of integrating circularity across policy, business and finance.
As governments, businesses and financial institutions work towards ambitious biodiversity and climate goals, one solution is becoming increasingly clear: circular economy.
Unlike the traditional linear "take-make-waste" model, a circular economy keeps materials in use for as long as possible, eliminates waste, and regenerates nature. By reducing pressure on ecosystems, preventing pollution and restoring natural systems, circular approaches can play a transformative role in halting biodiversity loss. Research suggests that implementing circular interventions across key sectors could help biodiversity recover to 2000 levels by 2035.
Despite this potential, the relationship between the circular economy and biodiversity remains largely unexplored and the circular economy principles are not incorporated in most biodiversity strategies and policies.
Organised by the IUCN European Regional Office and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, this event celebrates ten years of collaboration between IUCN and the Government of Monaco in advancing the links between circular economy and nature conservation.
Over the past decade, this partnership has helped raise awareness, develop knowledge and promote practical solutions that demonstrate how circularity can contribute to protecting and restoring nature.
With this event, we are bringing together public and private stakeholders to discuss the potential of circular economy principles to tackle biodiversity loss and support the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the EU nature restoration agenda. The messages from the event will feed into discussions in the upcoming COP17 in Armenia.
Register here: https://luma.com/zdrvhtv1
Agenda:
9:30-10:00 Welcome coffee and pastries
10:00-10:30 Opening remarks
Welcome to the event - Zuzana Lukacova, Senior Nature-based Solutions Officer, IUCN Europe
- Boris Erg, Director, IUCN Europe
- Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Monaco in Belgium
10:30-11:45 Session 1. Making biodiversity everyone’s business: circularity in action
Businesses increasingly recognise the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss. The focus must now shift from commitment to implementation. This session will bring together leading businesses that are integrating circular economy principles into their operations to reduce nature-related risks and contribute to biodiversity targets. Through practical examples, participants will explore how circular business models can create value for both business and nature, the barriers that remain, and what is needed to scale solutions across sectors.
Introduction and objectives of the session: Sharon Brooks, Head of Nature Economy, Coordinating Lead Author IPBES Business and Biodiversity Assessment, UNEP-WCMC
Panellists:
- Frederic Lecoq, Lacoste
- Noura Tantawi, Holcim
- Lara Steinhobel, Notpla
11:45-12:15 Coffee break
12:15-13:15 Session 2. Making nature investable: from circular business models to
capital
The Finance session with provide a look at how the banking sector is directing capital into nature restoration by supporting circular design and regenerative business models. It will bring together those who finance projects implementing Nature-based Solutions, at both global and national levels. Representatives from the banking sector will discuss the benefits and challenges of these investments, with the ultimate goal of scaling up nature-positive investment.
Introduction and objectives of the session: Thomas Freisinger, Senior Officer, IUCN Europe
Fireside chat with financial experts:
- Saranne Bron, Rabobank
- Dr. Sonja Stuchtey, Landbanking Group
13:15-14:30 Lunch
14:30-15:45 Session 3. Making policy work for nature: unlocking the potential of circularity
This session will explore the potential and benefits of integrating circular economy principles into policies supporting the conservation and restoration of nature.
Introduction and objectives of the session: Marianne Kettunen, Biodiversity lead, Ellen MaCarthur Foundation
Panellists:
- Bianca Lisboa Da Camara Brasil, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat
- Robert Konrad, Advisor to Director, DG Environment, Directorate D, European Commisision
Hakob Matevosyan, Acting Head of the Forest Policy Department of the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Armenia
Kristina Simonaitytė, Attaché for Environment, Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the European Union
15:45 - 16:00 Closing remarks
- Corina Murafa Benga, European Economic and Social Committee
- Marianne Kettunen, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
16:00 - 17:00 Cocktail reception