2024 was a milestone year in the world’s nature journey, with the concept of ‘nature-positive’—the idea that we must not only conserve natural ecosystems, but nurture their growth —emerging as a powerful guiding principle. At such events as the Global Nature-positive Summit in Sydney and COP16 in Cali, Colombia, the concept appeared to gain widespread support from corporates, governments, and community activists.

In 2025, we will need to build on these in-principle agreements. And, faced with political and economic headwinds, we will need diverse stakeholders to work together to create a practical, brave and collaborative roadmap to achieve a nature-positive future.

The Nature Positive Futures event will be a dialogue-driven forum, designed to move beyond rhetoric and spark real-world collaboration. Through respectful but candid discussions, participants will tackle four big issues in nature, challenging existing assumptions, showcasing solutions, and challenging us to redefine how we value and invest in nature. The goal is to spark exciting new collaborations, partnerships, and innovative nature-positive solutions.

Hosted by BWD Strategic and Greenhouse, this event brings together diverse voices—from First Nations leaders and nature tech entrepreneurs to investors and policymakers—to tackle the challenges and opportunities in advancing nature-positive solutions.

Note: The content will run from 0900-1230 with networking opportunities to follow (detailed agenda below).

Event Highlights

Welcome and Keynote
Begin the day with a Welcome to Country, opening remarks, and a keynote address setting the tone for an impactful discussion.

Thematic Panels

The Role of Nature Data: The state of nature data is often framed as a constraint to nature-positive action. This panel will challenge this perspective, showcasing what is possible while addressing the critical remaining challenges, and how we can work together to enhance that data's accessibility, quality, and verifiability to drive better investments and outcomes?
- Featuring: Rayne Van Der Berg, Principal, NatCap+, Tim Cooper, Head of Biodiversity and Land, BHP, Dr Anthony O’Grady, Senior Research Officer, CSIRO, Gautier Desme, Head of Nature Research and Methodology, Sustainable 1, Bryony Horton, Director, Science Impact and Assessment, NSW DCCEEW
Caring for Country: There is widespread in-principle agreement of the importance of First Nations peoples to a nature-positive future. But how do we turn this into real-world outcomes? Our panel will explore the meaning of 'Country', and identify the challenges and opportunities to genuinely incorporate First Nations Traditional Knowledge and leadership into how natural capital is evaluated, analysed and used.
- Featuring: Josie Alec, First Nations Lead, Australian Conservation Alliance, Cliff Cobbo, First Nations Lead, World Wildlife Fund, Dwayne Mallard, Founder, Arjaway
The Technology-Nature Nexus: A range of digital technologies are being used to better understand nature, and to augment the benefits of nature-based solutions. This panel will showcase inspirational 'nature-tech' solutions that demonstrate the potential for technology and nature to address a range of sustainability challenges.
- Featuring: Prof. Sebastian Pfautsch, Professor of Urban Management and Planning & Deputy President of the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network, Western Sydney University, Swaroop Tulsidas, Head of Product, CSIRO, Camille Goldstone-Henry, CEO and Founder, Xylo Solutions, Jim Stuart, CEO, EnviroDNA, Christian Kirschenpfadt, Chief Commercial Officer, Airseed
Investing in Nature: Our final panel will discuss the evolving nature investment space, exploring a range of current and emerging approaches. Reflecting on previous sessions, this panel will also discuss how these investment models can address challenges and opportunities related to nature data, First Nations leadership, and nature-tech development.
- Featuring: Bram Mason, Manager Nature and Biodiversity, Bank Australia, Colin Finn, Founder, BlueGreen, Dr. Joshua Bishop, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Economics, University of Sydney, Izzy Jensen, Founder and CIO, Kakariki Capital, Sam Kearnaghan, Director Resilience, Committee for Sydney, Alex McDonald, Climate and Nature Lead, Salesforce

Audience Q&A
Engage directly with panellists in every session to share ideas and explore actionable solutions.

Networking Opportunities
Build connections with leaders and changemakers across the climate, investment, and policy ecosystems.

Program Agenda:
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM: Registration, Welcome Tea & Coffee, Networking
8:45 AM – 9:00 AM: Welcome to Country, Event Opening, and Keynote Address
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Key Sessions on Nature Data, Caring for Country, Technology-Nature Nexus, and Investing in Nature
12:30 PM: Networking and Closing

This interactive event is designed to spark collaboration, challenge conventional thinking, and inspire real-world action toward a nature-positive future.

Reserve your spot today to be part of shaping Australia’s next steps in nature-positive innovation and impact!

Click here to see all events happening on Climate Action Week Sydney 2025.