Sustainability Beyond Numbers: Rethinking Nature’s Future at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting

In a business environment where sustainability is becoming ever more central, Nature is still often regarded as a passive client. However, integrating Nature-Positive strategies into urban design—firmly rooted in the local context—represents a crucial step towards ecosystem regeneration and biodiversity conservation.

According to a recent World Economic Forum report, only 5% of globally influential companies have a strategy focused on nature, while over 80% focus on climate resilience. Yet, we now find ourselves in an environmental and socio-economic crisis so profound that it is no longer possible to treat Nature, Biodiversity Loss and Climate as separate issues. These numbers highlight that many international companies have yet to incorporate biodiversity and the benefits of Nature into their ESG reports.

Furthermore, the same report estimates a global annual funding gap of $700 billion for nature conservation, emphasizing the urgent need for greater corporate engagement in this field. Experts from various disciplines are now collaborating to define new models, innovative practices, and tangible processes to build public-private alliances for the benefit of Nature in cities—and for the well-being of both human and non-human inhabitants. This is the Nature-Positive approach that experts in the WEF Nature-Positive Cities Task Force advocate for in their professional and scientific work.

 

 

In this issue, we explore how LAND and its community are turning Nature-Positive principles into operational actions, with both short- and long-term impacts on landscape and urban regeneration projects that are sustainable, replicable, and scalable globally.

According to this framework, at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos on 22nd January 2025, LAND and Porsche Consulting presented the Nature-Factory Manifesto: a strategic vision capable of actively transforming companies and landscapes, combining environmental accounting with sustainability strategies that go beyond numbers, focusing more on nature conservation and its implementation.

Specifically, the implementation of Nature and its benefit accounting in forecasting scenarios should be a priority target for measuring the sustainable development of cities and the revenue generation of private companies. This radical shift in mindset will revolutionise traditional models of sustainable urban development, positioning companies at the forefront of the ecological and social transition through the adoption of Nature-Positive principles.

To embrace a Nature-Positive mindset, the first step is to assess the potential of Natural Capital—recognising the vast resources and Ecosystem Services (ES) that nature offers in urban contexts. By understanding this value, businesses can better appreciate the critical role Nature plays in long-term sustainability.

The next step is to guide clients (municipalities, public entities, and private companies) towards nature-based strategies, encouraging investments that restore ecosystems. Implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbS) locally ensures that development proceeds in harmony with the environment, with local actions having the potential to create global impacts when scaled and replicated.

Finally, adopting a collaborative approach is essential—engaging clients, communities, and partners to promote Nature’s growth and drive local benefits, fostering shared responsibility for both environmental and economic well-being.

 

 

LAND engagement at the World Economic Forum has set a new benchmark for designing and implementing consulting services for Nature-Positive sustainable development and Nature-Positive projects. Specifically, the event stated:

1. A milestone for LAND and LAND Research Lab GmbH in the international consulting palimpsest
   The World Economic Forum marked a significant turning point for LAND Research Lab GmbH. It was our debut on the international consulting stage—an exciting moment deserving of celebration. This marks a small yet powerful achievement that propels us forward, confirming our place in this important global Nature-positive mission.
2. A Nature-Factory Manifesto for change: rewriting the rules for Nature development
   Through our manifesto, we have embedded key principles that challenge the dominant Western mindset, especially in relation to Nature and environmental sustainability. It is now time to push the boundaries and think beyond local policies, embracing the concept of “thinking locally, acting globally.” This approach will guide the future of LAND, where we aim to transform the principles we’ve outlined into actionable projects that foster positive change on a global scale.
3. Exploring new frontiers: pioneering innovative solutions in Landscape Architecture
   This early success gives us the legitimacy to explore new realms previously unexplored within the fields of Architecture and Landscape Design. In our view, this is a threshold moment—a chance to open new business frontiers with an innovative and forward-thinking vision. Our approach will always prioritise not just the aesthetic quality of spaces, but their potential to create value, enrich communities, and contribute positively to the environment for everyone.

Our involvement around the World Economic Forum highlights the positive impact LAND has been making for Nature over the past 35 years. It’s a testament to our commitment not just to architectural excellence but to fostering deeper, long-lasting ecological and social value. By going beyond traditional boundaries, we encourage a fresh approach to space design—one that embraces sustainability at its core, beyond just beauty and functionality.

 

 

Landscape Architecture is now viewed as an integral part of a holistic system, where the built environment and Nature coexist harmoniously. At the intersection of innovation and sustainability, we are reshaping the future of design, Nature, and value creation. Our participation at the WEF reinforces this mission, opening doors to new opportunities and scalable solutions that can spark global change.

Stay tuned as we continue to lead the way with upcoming Nature-Positive initiatives that will transform the spaces we live in.

By Valentina Galiulo, Project Director LAND Research Lab