Nature Positive Round-Up: Insights and Actions for a Sustainable Future
Edge Impact
A global impact consultancy combining science, strategy and storytelling to reimagine sustainability for positive impact
Let’s start by asking: If Mother Nature had a seat at the board table, what would she say?
Every financing decision, every conversation on growth, decarbonisation, connection, and managing future climate risks — nature plays a key role in developing solutions that are essential for thriving in a rapidly changing world.
Now is the time to ask the question.
The inaugural Global Nature Positive Summit took place in Sydney, Australia, from 8-10 October 2024, gathering over 900 delegates from government, business, academia, environmental organisations, civil society, and Indigenous groups.
Representing Edge Impact was Alison Rowe , our Global CEO, and Sarah Day , Nature Advisory Lead, who joined the event to bring back insights and action points critical for advancing a Nature Positive agenda.
A note from Alison Rowe,
Edge Impact’s Global CEO
Achieving a Nature Positive future is ambitious but essential.
I’ve seen first-hand how deeply interconnected businesses are with nature and the substantial impact they have on it. The reliance of so many industries on natural resources within their value chains is undeniable — and it’s clear we need to take transformative action to protect these foundations of life and industry.
At Edge, we proactively apply our science, strategy and storytelling to tackle the critical sustainability issues and nature is no different. Nature and climate are deeply interconnected, so when we set net zero goals, we must set nature-positive goals as well. Talking about restoring nature also means caring for country, restoring communities and health.
While the summit highlighted some government initiatives and innovative solutions, environmental groups voiced concern that, despite the rhetoric, current policies remain largely 'nature negative.'
Nonetheless, the event marked an important step in elevating nature and biodiversity alongside climate change as critical global challenges need immediate action.
Learn more about our Nature Advisory Services in the video below.
Kind Regards,
Five Key Takeaways from Sarah Day, Edge Impact’s Nature Advisory Lead
1. Engagement isn’t a metric
Engagement isn't something that can be ticked off, it must be collaborative, must inform the way we characterise the problem in the first instance, and must work towards outcomes that support the objectives of all engaged.
2. A nature positive economy isn’t an option, it’s our only option
To achieve the outcomes needed at the scale required, we're talking about a systemic change to how we operate as an economy, a society, as businesses - and to achieve this we need strong leadership and governance, from Government, businesses, and demand from society. This is about shifting what we value - we currently primarily value nature when it's dead - a piece of wood, a piece of meat - rather than the role of the tree in the forest, or the fish in the sea.
3. We need to change our relationship with nature
We need to change our relationship with nature and recognise how inextricable our relationship is. Starting by asking 'What kind of ancestors do we want to be?' and 'If Mother Nature was at the Board table, what would she say?'
4. Local impact, local issue, local solutions - global awareness and problem solving
While nature is hyper regional and we need to look locally when crafting solutions, there's a lot for us to learn from experiences nationally and globally.
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5. Disclose, and…
Disclosure is an element of this nature journey, but cannot be the only focus. Action must be prioritised if we have any chance of achieving the scale of change required.
Sarah Day and Alison Knoblauch Reflect on Key Takeaways from the Summit
We sat down with Sarah Day, Principal Consultant for Nature Advisory, and Alison Knoblauch , Senior Sustainability Specialist at Telstra to discuss their reflections on the summit and how nature-positive strategies are driving real change across industries.
Liveable Cities Newsletter
Authored by Dr. Jenni Garden, Edge Impact's Liveable Cities Lead, the latest edition explores leading advancements in urban sustainability across Australia and beyond.
This issue also marks our sponsorship of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities at the UN Global Compact Network Australia 's UNITing Business LIVE event.
SDG 11 aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable — values that resonate deeply with our work in urban sustainability.
Discover More About Our Nature Advisory Services
Curious about the upcoming Nature Repair Market and potential opportunities in the Nature Positive Plan?
Contact Sarah Day, Principal Consultant for Nature Advisory at Edge Impact:
📞 +61 423 937 065
Explore our Nature Advisory resources here: Nature Positive Strategy & Solutions
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If you have a problem you'd like us to solve together or if you just want to connect. We're always excited to hear from passionate people looking to make a positive impact.
You can email us at info@edgeimpact.global
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