On 25 and 26 February 2025, Biodiversa+, in collaboration with UNEP-WCMC and with the support of the Research Council of Norway, convened a Foresight Workshop in Oslo to explore the intersections between nature-based solutions (NbS) and transformative change. McKenna Davis, Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Nature-based Solutions at Ecologic Institute, was invited to participate as an expert and support the identification of emerging research needs and innovation priorities that can advance NbS within the broader context of transformative change.

Addressing key knowledge gaps and research priorities

The two-day workshop gathered around 30 experts from policy, practice, and research to examine how NbS can contribute to systemic shifts needed for sustainability. The discussions focused on:

• Identifying trends, drivers, and uncertainties shaping the future of NbS and transformative change.
• Exploring governance challenges and the paradigm shifts required for effective implementation
• Prioritizing research and innovation needs, ensuring that future initiatives address both scientific frontiers and practical applications.

Informing the future of Biodiversa+ research and policy

The outcomes of this workshop will directly inform Biodiversa+'s Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, particularly its midterm update. The insights will also strengthen connections between BiodivNbS and BiodivTransform, two of Biodiversa+'s flagship programs, the former of which McKenna Davis participates as an expert, ensuring that research efforts align with pressing sustainability challenges.

By bringing together diverse expertise, the workshop reinforced the importance of collaborative, forward-thinking approaches to addressing complex environmental and societal transformations. As NbS continue to gain traction as solutions for biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, integrating them into transformative change agendas will be critical for achieving global sustainability goals.