Fostering Systemic Societal Transformation for Biodiversity Conservation through Nature Reconnection

Connection to nature is increasingly recognized as a crucial driver of societal transformation toward biodiversity protection. Aligning with the objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Target 12, which focuses on sustainable use and conservation of biodiversity and GBF Target 19, fostering the capacity and knowledge base of all people by increasing awareness, education, and participation in biodiversity conservation efforts, the project highlights the synergistic role of nature exposure and nature connectedness in driving transformative societal change for biodiversity protection. This project seeks to drive transformational outcomes for biodiversity and socio-ecological systems through the Societal Transformation Laboratory for Nature Reconnection Advocacy, implemented in three pilot regions located in Central Europe. By generating actionable knowledge, we aim to support the development of a sustainable nature exposure and nature connectedness strategy, as well as an integrated landscape management framework. Central to this initiative is the understanding and incorporation of diverse values and worldviews about the relationship between biodiversity, human behaviour, and attitudes. This approach will enable us to co-develop nature-positive visions, goals, and actions among societal actors. The project will enhance understanding of how justice, power dynamics, and economic relationships shape natural resource use, including patterns of sustainable consumption. Our work will expand transformative actions across various sectors of spatial and landscape planning, forest management, landscape economy and society, fostering innovative community science practices and strengthening socio-ecological literacy in both decision-making and public engagement. Through this, we aim to empower citizens and stakeholders to contribute actively to nature-positive futures. Urban functional areas (UFA) of Warsaw (PL), Vienna (AT) and Stuttgart (DE) serve as examples of scarce nature exposure due to urbanisation processes and high recreational demand, triggering overexploitation, pollution, spreading of invasive species and habitat loss. Combined with lower resilience caused by climate crisis, these processes result in biodiversity decline. Proper, participatory planning can increase nature exposure and connectedness, followed by nature positive attitudes and practices. We apply systemic approach to address the multifaceted challenges of biodiversity loss in urban metropolitan areas, which we understand as complex, dynamic and adaptive socio-technical-ecological systems.