Recommendations for the Biodiversa+ flagship programme on ‘Societal transformation’

In 2022, Biodiversa+ launched a flagship programme titled ‘Societal transformation for the sustainable use and management of biodiversity,’ aiming to explore the role of biodiversity research and innovation (R&I) in achieving the 2050 Biodiversity Vision.

Following a dialogue event in June 2022 and a consultation in December 2022 (involving surveys with participants, the Biodiversa+ ESB, and partners), two priority themes were identified: “Transformative Change for Biodiversity & Economic Systems” and “Transformative Change for Biodiversity & Public Policy.”

Based on a theoretical paper, two workshops in June 2023 further explored these themes, identifying key approaches, concerns, obstacles, and priority research avenues for the upcoming BiodivTransform research call. Participants emphasised the need for a paradigm shift beyond anthropocentrism, requiring a whole-of-society approach to:

• Integrate approaches: Transitioning from sectoral to integrated approaches and reinforcing synergies between environmental transitions.
• Promote collaboration and literacy: Encouraging cooperation and fostering biodiversity literacy among stakeholders.
• Address equity and justice: Reflecting on the social justice and equity implications of current models and policies, and exploring how a just transition can benefit biodiversity.
• Develop tools and innovations: Creating democratic innovations and practical tools to assess biodiversity impacts and dependencies.

This shift raises key research questions about managing complexity, studying change, ensuring transformative research, and providing actionable recommendations despite uncertainty. This report provides guidance, identifies key knowledge gaps and research needs for the BiodivTransform call, and offers recommendations for Biodiversa+ activities related to the Societal Transformation flagship programme.