Business and Nature: A Gathering to Accelerate Action on Biodiversity and Water
The conference “Business and Nature: An Essential Relationship,” organized by GRACE – Responsible Businesses, brought together companies, the scientific community, and institutional organizations to discuss one of today’s most critical issues: how economic activity depends on—and impacts—natural ecosystems.
The event was held in collaboration with BIOPOLIS / CIBIO, which hosted the initiative and strengthened the link between science and the business sector in the search for solutions to biodiversity loss and the sustainable management of natural resources.
An inseparable relationship between the economy and nature
Throughout the conference, it was emphasized that the relationship between businesses and nature goes far beyond environmental responsibility. It depends directly on the resilience of ecosystems, the availability of water, the preservation of biodiversity, and the stability of ecosystem services.
It was emphasized that it is impossible to speak of sustainable competitiveness without resilient natural resources, or of creating economic value without preserving natural capital. This paradigm shift—from a view that separates the economy from nature to one of interdependence—was at the heart of the discussion at the meeting.
A program focused on knowledge and action
The conference program was designed to combine scientific insights, the sharing of best practices, and the development of practical solutions.
The session began by highlighting the urgency of the issue, exploring the growing pressure on ecosystems, biodiversity loss, and the challenges associated with water management. This was followed by a presentation of best business practices, demonstrating how some organizations already integrate nature into their decision-making, strategy, and operations. We heard examples from Lipor and BEL Portugal.
Collaborative projects with the potential to have a regional impact were also presented, ranging from nature restoration to the rehabilitation of rivers and their ecosystems, as well as proposals for implementing nature-based solutions, calling on companies to take concrete action.
The day concluded with workshops focused on practical tools for action. One workshop focused on the importance of measurement for management, and of management for action, presenting concrete management tools, specifically a Nature Maturity Self-Assessment tool developed within the GRACE Nature cluster, which will soon be available to GRACE members. The other parallel workshop focused on presenting the main types of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) applicable by sector, with a focus on freshwater ecosystems and climate resilience.
From awareness to transformation
The conference underscored a key point: the debate is no longer about whether companies should take action, but rather how to accelerate that action in a consistent and structured manner.
This requires leadership, cross-sector cooperation, investment, scientific knowledge, and long-term commitment. It also requires translating environmental concerns into concrete actions, clear metrics, and informed strategic decisions.
In this regard, the event served as a forum for bringing together various stakeholders—companies, researchers, and institutions—who share the common goal of turning environmental challenges into opportunities for innovation and the creation of sustainable value.
It became clear that the preservation of biodiversity and natural resources is not merely an environmental responsibility, but an essential prerequisite for the future of the economy, societies, and regions—a message also emphasized by Susana Ribeiro, Councilwoman of the Vila do Conde City Council, who closed the session.
By bringing together scientific knowledge, business experience, and strategic vision, the conference “Business and Nature: An Essential Relationship” sought precisely to accelerate this transition: from an economy that treats nature as a resource to one that recognizes nature as its foundation.
If you are a GRACE member, you can watch the recording of the event here.
