Five key conclusions from the symposium

1. Long-term visions are essential for transformation

Several speakers emphasized the importance of ambitious and hopeful visions for the future. Drawing on examples such as the Dutch NL2120 vision, discussions showed how future-oriented narratives can help mobilise action across sectors and actors.

Rather than responding crisis by crisis, participants called for:

long-term spatial planning,
integrated land-use strategies,
and governance approaches that place healthy ecosystems as the foundation for societal development.

We need inspiring and engaging visions,
not only plans.

2. Nature-based solutions must be embedded across governance systems

Participants stressed that scaling NBS requires transformation within governance systems, not simply more funding and projects.

Key governance principles discussed throughout the event included:

integrative governance,
inclusive decision-making,
adaptive institutions,
and pluralistic approaches that recognise multiple forms of knowledge and values.

The discussions also highlighted the need to:

break down sector silos and work across administrative boundaries,
strengthen coordination between local, regional, and national levels.

Several participants noted that climate adaptation, biodiversity, agriculture, health, and urban development policies must be addressed together rather than separately.

3. Communication, storytelling, and emotions matter

A strong theme throughout the symposium was the importance of communication and storytelling in enabling transformative change.

Participants repeatedly stressed that:

people engage with stories and lived experiences, not only data,
hopeful narratives are needed to counter climate despair,
and emotional connections to nature are essential for public support.

Examples from cities and practice demonstrated how communication around trees, biodiversity, and public space can shift from “nice to have” toward “need to have”.

The importance of language was also discussed:

“spontaneous vegetation” instead of “weeds”,
and framing nature as infrastructure, care, wellbeing, and resilience.

4. Justice and inclusion must be central - not secondary

Across both panel discussions and workshops, participants emphasized that transformative governance must address questions of justice, equity, and power.

While nature-based solutions can create multiple benefits, they can also risk reinforcing inequalities if governance processes are not inclusive.

Key themes included:

equal access to green spaces,
inclusion of vulnerable communities,
recognition of diverse knowledge systems,
and ensuring that local communities and end users are actively involved in decision-making.

Participants also stressed the importance of involving the “silent majority” and building broader democratic ownership of transformation processes.

5. Transformation requires cultural change

Many discussions pointed toward the need for deeper cultural shifts in society’s relationship with nature.

Participants highlighted the need to:

restore human–nature relationships,
challenge human-centred approaches,
rethink economic incentives,
and strengthen nature-based education from early childhood onward.

Several workshop groups pointed to education, new narratives, and institutional reform as critical leverage points for long-term transformation.