On 17 September 2026, the conference 'Finance, Business and Natural Capital – Integrating Biodiversity into Economic Strategies for a Nature-Positive Transition' took place in Rome. Organised by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Rome and the Nature Positive Network, an initiative of the Sustainable Development Foundation and the Po River District Basin Authority (ADBPO). The event brought together around 100 participants from public and private organisations in the Netherlands and Italy.
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Networking during the conference near Altare della Patria
The conference explored how businesses, financial institutions and public authorities can contribute to halting and reversing biodiversity loss and accelerating the transition towards a nature-positive economy. The central question was how companies can integrate biodiversity into their strategies, decision-making and investments, turning sustainability from a reputational concern into a driver of competitiveness, resilience and long-term value creation.
Aligned with European and international objectives to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and develop a National Biodiversity Finance plan, the conference provided a platform for exchanging experiences, practical case studies and best practices from both countries. Dutch contributions came from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Dutch National Bank, ASR's investment activities and the Sustainable Development Foundation, among others.
Beeld: © Fondazione Sviluppo Sostenibile
Public during conference
From ambition to action
The discussions highlighted a growing awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the need for businesses to address both their impacts and their dependencies on nature. Although tools, knowledge and practical solutions are increasingly available, biodiversity has yet to become a strategic priority in many corporate boardrooms.
Participants emphasised that a nature-positive transition requires close collaboration between businesses, financial institutions, governments, farmers and nature organisations. Companies can contribute through investments in nature restoration and biodiversity protection, while financial institutions can help accelerate change by directing capital towards activities that deliver positive outcomes for nature.
'Achieving a nature-positive economy requires greater awareness, tangible commitments and collaboration across all sectors.'
Dutch and Italian case studies demonstrated how these different actors can work together to integrate biodiversity into business operations, agricultural practices, public policies and investment decisions.
In addition to presentations and discussions, interactive working sessions enabled participants to develop concrete recommendations for businesses and financial institutions. These recommendations will be compiled into a summary document to support future initiatives and help translate the conference's ambitions into practical action.
The key message was clear: achieving a nature-positive economy requires greater awareness, tangible commitments and collaboration across all sectors. The Nature Positive Network aims to facilitate this dialogue and support organisations in turning ambition into measurable change.
Beeld: © Fondazione Sviluppo Sostenibile
Caroline van Leenders - Program Manager Nature Finance at RVO
Strengthening collaboration in the Po River Basin
The Po River Basin covers approximately 27% of Italy's land area, an area roughly twice the size of the Netherlands. Managed at basin level by the Po River District Basin Authority (ADBPO), the region faces challenges that are also familiar in the Netherlands, including changing agricultural production, the effects of climate change, flood risks and the protection and restoration of biodiversity. Beyond the differences between the two delta environments, the countries share important similarities in their landscapes, agricultural systems and the pressures on natural ecosystems.
ADBPO plays a key role in water management, flood risk reduction and the protection of the river basin. Its work provides an important foundation for connecting water management, agriculture, economic development and nature restoration.
'The conference reinforced the importance of connecting these regional initiatives with the experience and expertise of Dutch organisations.'
The Nature Positive Network complements this role by bringing together businesses, public authorities and nature organisations to protect and restore biodiversity across the Po River Basin. Established by the Italian Sustainable Development Foundation (Fondazione per lo Sviluppo Sostenibile) and ADBPO, the network helps companies incorporate nature restoration into their business strategies and investments, including through nature-based solutions. Approximately 35 businesses and organisations from the region are currently involved.
The conference reinforced the importance of connecting these regional initiatives with the experience and expertise of Dutch organisations. By exchanging knowledge and exploring shared challenges, the Netherlands and Italy can identify opportunities to accelerate the transition towards a nature-positive economy.
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Speakers panel during the conference
Next steps: turning dialogue into investment
Building on the outcomes of the conference, further collaboration will be explored between ADBPO, the Nature Positive Network and financial institutions, including banks. The aim is to identify and develop concrete investment opportunities that deliver measurable benefits for biodiversity while supporting resilient businesses and sustainable regional development.
By connecting public authorities, businesses and the financial sector, this collaboration could help turn nature-positive ambitions into practical investments on the ground. The conference in Rome was an important step towards strengthening Dutch-Italian cooperation and demonstrating how biodiversity can become an integral part of economic decision-making.
More information
For a recap of the conference and access to the presentations, please visit Nature Positive Network. You can also reach out to the Netherlands Agricultural Network team at the Dutch Embassy in Rome via: rom-lvvn@minbuza.nl.