The DLD Nature Conference in Munich, held on September 12-13, brought together global thought leaders, scientists, and policymakers to address the critical relationship between nature, business, and the economy. This year’s conference underscored a pressing truth: our environmental and economic futures are deeply intertwined. The message was clear: businesses and industries must take a leading role in protecting and restoring nature.

Throughout the conference, sessions focused on how biodiversity and natural capital are not only essential to the planet but also to the stability of our economic systems. Günther Thallinger, from Allianz SE, highlighted the urgency warning that if we fail to adjust our economic models to account for environmental damage, the risks will soon become uninsurable. Johan Rockström, from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, further emphasized that the degradation of nature is not just an environmental issue but a systemic risk to the global economy, one that demands immediate action. This theme was echoed by Ursula von der Leyen, who called for nature to be placed “on the balance sheet” and emphasized the need for new financial tools, like nature credits, to reward those protecting ecosystems.

The conversation on linking nature protection to financial returns gained momentum in the “Business Case for Biodiversity” session, where Nature Wealth’s founder Korbinian Kantenwein  joined a distinguished panel featuring Tobias Raffel of Biodiversity Bridge, David Diallo from goodcarbon, and Heba Aguib of the BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt. Together, they explored the launch of a European Advance Market Commitment for Nature and Biodiversity, a collaborative purchasing coalition for nature-positive action. The initiative aims to connect private sector actors with high-quality, nature-based solutions that deliver both biodiversity and climate benefits. A dinner the night before with corporate representatives from several Dax-companies interested in biodiversity activities  helped lay the foundation for this strategic collaboration.

The most pivotal moment for Nature Wealth came during the session titled “Nature Wealth: Saving Biodiversity Hotspots.” This marked the formal introduction of the foundation’s mission to the global stage. Led by Auguste von Bayern, Martin Schaefer, Korbinian Kantenwein, and Christof Schenck of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, the panel focused on the urgent need to protect key biodiversity hotspots around the world.

The core of the discussion revolved around the concept that “Taken together, the remaining intact forests and native habitats in all Biodiversity Hotspots cover just 2.5% of the Earth’s terrestrial surface.” The panel emphasized that by prioritizing just 25 irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots, we can achieve significant and long-lasting biodiversity gains. This revelation was accompanied by project insights from Martin and Christof, who shared their experiences working with Jocotoco Foundation and Frankfurt Zoological Society in some of these high-priority areas. Their stories illustrated the immense potential that targeted investments in these critical regions can have on global biodiversity.

With this in mind, Nature Wealth unveiled plans for a Nature Wealth fund aimed at purchasing and protecting land in 25 critical biodiversity hotspots to secure one third of global biodiversity. The initiative is built on the principle of Naturepreneurship, a model that combines ecological protection with financial returns. By making nature protection a viable investment, Nature Wealth aims to scale conservation efforts globally, offering tangible solutions that benefit ecosystems while generating sustainable financial gains.

To close the DLD Nature conference, we gathered for an intimate dinner at the Nymphenburg Porcelain Manufacture, where connections were deepened and new partnerships forged. The evening, graciously supported by Andreas Mach, Alphazirkel and Michael Käfer as well as DLD itself, was an inspiring conclusion to our discussions, enriched by his stunning Fragile Nature photography exhibition graciously provided by the artist HRH Prince Hussain Aga Khan.

Looking ahead, Nature Wealth is focused on expanding the European Nature Positive Purchasing Coalition alongside partners like BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt, goodcarbon, and Biodiversity Bridge e.V. We’re committed to growing our Nature Wealth fund and securing new partnerships that will drive impactful conservation efforts. Our mission is clear: protect biodiversity hotspots while creating sustainable environmental and financial returns.

Join us in making a real difference for nature and business.

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All pictures courtesy of Michaela Stache and Dominik Gigler for DLD / Hubert Burda Media.