On September 16–17, 2025, CNR IRET took part, also in its role as member and coordinator of the NbS Italy Hub, in the NetworkNature Annual Event “Choose Nature” and in the Cluster Meeting of the Task Forces, held at the Brussels Environment headquarters.
The Annual Event, titled “Unlocking pathways to a resilient economy for people and the planet”, provided an opportunity for dialogue among institutions, the research community, businesses, and civil society on the transition toward a resilient economy capable of combining human well-being with the protection of the planet. At a time when biodiversity loss and climate change are accelerating the need for transformative change, the discussions focused on the role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as innovative tools to integrate environmental sustainability and economic growth.
The program was structured into four thematic sessions:
-
Choose to Work with and for nature – nature and economic resilience;
-
Choose to Trust nature and people – the value of nature-based solutions and community participation;
-
Choose to Invest in nature – innovative financial instruments and new investment opportunities;
-
Choose to Partner with nature – highlighting businesses and business models oriented toward sustainability.
In parallel, the exhibition “Why Choose Nature? / Why do we care?” showcased experiences and testimonies from research, institutions, and civil society, underlining the need to integrate the multiple values of nature into decision-making processes.
On September 17, the Cluster Meeting of the NetworkNature Task Forces (TFs) gathered Task Force members, NbS Hub representatives, NetworkNature partners, and the European Commission (REA and DG R&I). The day was dedicated to reviewing results achieved, developing synergies, strengthening capacities, and co-creating innovative ideas in the field of NbS.
CNR IRET contributed to the work as a member of Task Force 1 (Evidence and Knowledge) and Task Force 2 (Policy), while also collaborating with Task Force 6 (Co-governance) on digital tools. Within the context of the NN Labs idea, the Institute presented the second edition of a summer school for technicians and professionals — a follow-up to the previous “Planning to Action” held in Milan at the Polytechnic — and showcased the NbS CataTool, developed within the NBFC project, as an example of a digital tool supporting governance and the dissemination of nature-based solutions. Furthermore, as coordinator of the NbS Italy Hub, CNR IRET participated in the think tank alongside the coordinators of the European NbS Hubs, with the aim of identifying tools and models to ensure the long-term sustainability of national hubs, optimize management, and enhance their effectiveness across national and regional contexts.
CNR IRET’s participation reaffirms the Institute’s commitment to promoting research, tools, and collaborations at the European level to integrate nature, innovation, and sustainable development.