NetworkNature Annual Event 2024 | Busting myths: People with nature
24-25 of September, 2024 | Brussels, Belgium
The NeuroLandscape team just returned from an incredible few days at the NetworkNature EU Annual Event in Brussels! What a wonderful blend of insightful discussions, knowledge-rich myth-busting panels, and interactive hands-on workshops, all reinforcing the key message of the event: Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are not a luxury but a necessity to tackle global challenges.
A Breakdown of the Event: Tuesday, 24th of September (Task Force Cluster Meeting)
On the 24th of September, 2024, our team was welcomed to Network Nature's Task Force Cluster meetings at the historic Flemish Theatre. We were joined by leading academics, experts, and activists , EU-funded Horizon project representatives (not to mention from our own GreenME Project and GreenInCities projects), MEPs, EU Commission officers, and other key players from across the world in the Nature-based Solutions community. That morning our team joined the AI and Digital Solutions and the NbS Assessment Indicators tables as part of our Cluster talks. We are confident that the discussion and the ideas developed based on these exchanges could lead to further funding for future initiatives 🌍! The day wrapped up with a summary of the next steps for each Task Force, setting the stage for upcoming collaborations.
A Breakdown of the Event: Wednesday, 25th of September (Network Nature's Annual Conference)
This year, the Network Nature's Annual Conference took place on the 25th of September, 2024 at the Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles. The theme was "Busting Myths," featuring brilliant keynote speakers and thought-provoking panels. The panel topics included Regenerating nature : Soil & Water, Nature governance : Nature for people, and Economy for and with nature. Here are some key takeaways from the talks:
➙ "If we try to give nature a monetary value, do we value nature, or do we value money?”
➙"As individuals, do we have the power to bring about change?"
➙"We cannot debunk the myths. Only the myth carriers can, and this process will be painful. We can, however, have our arguments and evidence ready.” ➙"Are we too comfortable preaching to the converted?"
We’re proud to share that our poster on the Contemplative Landscape Model was exhibited alongside other NbS case studies during the "Busting Myths" sessions.
The event was a fantastic opportunity for collaboration, providing valuable insights on how we can push NbS forward through collective effort and innovation. We would like to extend our thanks to NetworkNature EU and all the participants for creating a wholesome and knowledge-inspiring experience!
We’re excited to keep driving efforts to help communities embrace Nature-based Solutions for a more sustainable future!