Inclusive co-creation of nature-based solutions (NbS) is key to achieving fair, effective, and lasting outcomes. Still, many voices – including those of marginalized communities, Indigenous peoples, youth, and other vulnerable groups – are often missing from NbS decision-making. A new European Commission report, developed under NetworkNature+ Task Force 6 on Co-Creation and Governance and led by Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis and Natalia Burgos Cuevas, explores how to change that. Drawing on survey results and expert discussions, it identifies barriers that commonly excluded stakeholders face and presents practical measures and examples to support more meaningful and inclusive participation in NbS governance. 

How can cities adapt to climate change while improving quality of life? A new publication by the German Environment Agency (UBA), co-authored by Ecologic Institute, shows how nature-based solutions – from green spaces to restored waterways – can strengthen urban resilience. The report highlights key success factors for making NBS a core part of local climate adaptation.

How can Europe strengthen its energy security while accelerating decarbonization? A new policy brief by Agora Energiewende, co-authored by our Senior Fellow Raffaele Piria (Ecologic Institute), explores how the EU can build a more resilient, renewable, and self-sufficient energy system. The analysis shows that decarbonization and energy security go hand in hand if Europe adopts a forward-looking, adaptive strategy that combines renewables, circularity, and smarter infrastructure planning.

Speech: Julia Pazmino Murillo

How can rewarding mechanisms accelerate the transition to climate-smart agriculture? A new publication developed under the Climate Farm Demos project presents a categorisation framework that maps the wide range of incentives available across the EU to support farmers in adopting sustainable, low-carbon practices. The framework helps navigate complex policy landscapes and identifies pathways to strengthen both climate mitigation and adaptation. The findings were presented by our researcher Julia Pazmino Murillo (Ecologic Institute) at the Climate Farm Demo Annual Meeting in Seinäjoki, Finland (22–25 September 2025).

Speech: Dr. Stephan Sina

On 10 September 2025, Ecologic Institute's Dr. Stephan Sina presented on the implementation of the 'ecocide' provision of the new EU Environmental Crime Directive in Germany. Speaking at a webinar organized by Europe Calling and Stop Ecocide Germany, he outlined the relevant provisions of the directive and presented options for national implementation. The event, attended by over 500 participants, brought together experts from law, politics, and civil society to discuss how ‘ecocide’ could be anchored in international and national criminal law.

Moderation and Speech: Katriona McGlade, Flora Dicke

How can regions and cities across Europe better protect people's health from rising heat? On 15 September 2025, Ecologic Institute and the BC3 Basque Centre for Climate Change hosted the ACCREU Workshop "Heat Resilient European Regions" to explore what drives or hinders effective adaptation to the impacts of heat on health. Experts and practitioners from across Europe shared insights on barriers and enablers of health-related adaptation. The workshop was moderated by Ecologic Institute fellow Katriona McGlade, and researcher Flora Dicke presented research insights on factors promoting and inhibiting adaptation in the health sector. The workshop underlined the importance of collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and data-driven evidence in building more heat-resilient regions in Europe.

Speech: McKenna Davis

On 23 September 2025, Ecologic Institute's McKenna Davis opened the Berlin workshop "Opportunities and Limits of Nature-based Solutions", organized by the Fair Finance Institute. Her keynote stressed that NbS can restore biodiversity, strengthen climate action, and deliver social benefits – but only if backed by fair finance, robust standards, and rights-based governance. She called for embedding NbS in a nature-positive economy that regenerates ecosystems while ensuring equity and accountability.

Moderation: Mandy Hinzmann

Circular business models are key to transforming the textile industry. But how can circular principles be effectively integrated into business strategies and offerings beyond simple recycling solutions? Which approaches work in practice? And what do companies need to actually put their ideas into action? These questions took center stage at the interactive online workshop "From Thread to Loop: Business Models for a Circular Future," moderated by Ecologic Institute's Mandy Hinzmann on 25 September. The workshop was part of the networking and transfer project ZirTeNet, which supports the BMBF funding initiative "Circular Textiles."

Speech: Dr. Benjamin Kupilas

At the conference "Holistic Framework for Successful Development of Nature-based Solutions" held 25–26 September 2025 in Aarhus (Denmark), Dr. Benjamin Kupilas, Ecologic Institute's Coordinator for Biodiversity, presented how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can accelerate the transition toward a Nature-Positive Economy. He highlighted NbS as powerful entry points for systemic change – linking biodiversity, climate resilience, and social well-being. Through the GoNaturePositive! (GoNP!) project, a collaborative initiative backed by the European Commission dedicated to accelerating awareness and transformative action towards a nature-positive economy among policymakers, investors, businesses and wider society. Dr. Kupilas emphasized that nature is not a cost, but an asset for innovation, resilience, and competitiveness.

Speech: Ewa Iwaszuk, Natalia Burgos Cuevas, Dr. Nico Stelljes

On 25 September 2025, the International Climate Protection Fellows of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation visited Ecologic Institute as part of their study tour on climate protection in Germany. The exchange focused on how Nature-based Solutions (NbS) can foster resilient and just cities and how marine conservation contributes to climate adaptation. Through discussions, a hands-on workshop, and insights into projects like INTERLACE and HISTOMAR, the fellows explored inclusive, cross-regional approaches linking climate action, biodiversity, and equity.

Join this expert workshop (online, 30 October 2025) to exchange on how adaptive governance can respond to rapid climate-induced changes in the Arctic. The event will bring together experts to discuss flexible, science-based approaches, with case insights from Svalbard and the YESSS project. Registration is open until 24 October 2025.

Join us on 3 and 4 November 2025 for the final event of the MEER:STARK Project, a two-day workshop advancing the link between marine protection and climate adaptation. Designed for experts and decision makers in marine conservation, coastal planning, and climate policy, the workshop will share key findings, highlight practical insights on eutrophication, ecosystem-based coastal protection, and climate-ready Marine Protected Areas. It will also co-develop actionable recommendations for policy and practice. The working language is English.

To support our Berlin-based team, we are looking for an experienced Financial Accountant – full- or part-time, starting as soon as possible. You are highly skilled in accounting and annual financial statements, comfortable working with DATEV, and want to contribute to the mission of a non-profit research institute for environmental policy? Then we'd love to hear from you! Apply online by 31 October 2025.