Around 400 participants attended to discuss how efforts to promote biodiversity can be strengthened, to present their research, gain inspiration from others, and reconnect with both old and new colleagues.
The symposium aimed to operate at the interface between research, public authorities, business and society – thereby creating new opportunities to advance biodiversity work in Sweden and beyond.
–We were pleasantly surprised by the strong interest in this symposium. It reflects a real desire for change, and the positive, engaging atmosphere throughout the event gives us hope for the future. We trust that this commitment, along with all the inspiring encounters, will make a genuine difference and contribute to the transformation that is so urgently needed", says Mats Björkman, Associate Professor of Environmental Science and one of the coordinators of the strategic research area BECC – Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services under Climate Change.
The conference provided extensive opportunities for dialogue – both among researchers from different disciplines and between academia and other societal actors, including businesses, public agencies and non-profit organisations.
–Sweden has long lacked a forum with such a broad perspective, where different actors can come together to discuss how we can protect biodiversity – not only for our own benefit, but for the sake of nature itself", notes Håkan Tunón, Director of the SLU Swedish Biodiversity Centre.
Why the Theme Social Transformation – from Knowledge to Action?
To halt the loss of species and ecosystems, and to realise the ambitions of international biodiversity conventions, a shift in mindset is required – one that supports the transition to a sustainable society and the responsible use of natural resources. In essence, what is needed is a transformative societal change, encompassing cultural, economic, institutional and technological dimensions, alongside the scientific.
- At the end of 2024, two major international reports were published by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
- The Nexus Assessment highlights the importance of addressing biodiversity loss, water and food security, health and climate change in an integrated way, rather than in isolation.
The Transformative Change Assessment demonstrates that profound change is achievable – provided that strategies and measures for the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity are inclusive and address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss.
This latter report provided the foundation for the theme of the Swedish Biodiversity Symposium 2025.
Book of Abstracts
In connection with the symposium, a Book of Abstracts was published, containing over 100 abstracts from the presentations delivered at the event.
Read the Book of Abstracts here.
Looking Ahead
The intention is for the Swedish Biodiversity Symposium to become a recurring event, with discussions already under way to organise the next symposium in 2027. To be continued!
