Nature-positive and climate-proof economies
Wageningen University & Research supports the transition to nature-positive and climate-resilient economies. We help governments, businesses and civil society actors strengthen biodiversity, reduce climate risks, and build circular, resilient systems that benefit people, planet and prosperity.
Nature-positive strategies go beyond environmental benefits; they also enhance business continuity and societal well-being. By aligning economic activities with ecological systems, we reduce risks, increase resilience, and create long-term value for all stakeholders.
Wageningen University & Research provides scientific insights and practical tools to embed biodiversity and climate resilience into key sectors. Our work includes biodiversity accounting, nature valuation, and integrating ecological principles into finance, trade and policy.
We also assess the broader socio-economic impacts of climate change, including inequality, food security and employment. This enables us to support transitions that are not only sustainable, but also inclusive and just.
By working with public and private partners, we help shape economic systems that are future-proof and aligned with global sustainability goals.
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Expertises
Valuing nature and ecosystem services
Nature’s value goes far beyond what can be measured in market prices. Wageningen University & Research explores how the ecological, social, and economic benefits of nature, and its interdependence with society and the economy, can be better understood, protected, and embedded in decision-making. Our expertise supports just, sustainable, and nature-inclusive futures across sectors and scales.
Valuing nature and ecosystem services
Nature’s value goes far beyond what can be measured in market prices. Wageningen University & Research explores how the ecological, social, and economic benefits of nature, and its interdependence with society and the economy, can be better understood, protected, and embedded in decision-making. Our expertise supports just, sustainable, and nature-inclusive futures across sectors and scales.
Biodiversity footprinting
Policymakers, businesses and NGOs aiming to reduce the biodiversity footprint of agrifood production and consumption can benefit from Wageningen University & Research’ insights. Our innovative KOEVOET method provides a clear picture of which interventions truly benefit biodiversity and quantifies their impact in a consistent and integrated way.
Financing a nature-positive food system
Finance is both affected by and contributes to nature-related risks. Wageningen University & Research supports financial institutions in understanding these risks and developing strategies that promote nature-positive outcomes, especially within food systems. Our expertise bridges biodiversity science with practical, collaborative solutions to support the shift towards sustainable finance.
Social and economic resilience in the face of climate change
Wageningen University & Research empowers policymakers, businesses, and financial institutions to respond to climate change in a just and effective way. Our integrated approach helps reduce emissions, secure value chains, and build long-term resilience across the agri-food sector and beyond.
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Why partner with WUR
What we offer
- Expertise in biodiversity, circular economy and climate resilience
- Practical tools for integrating nature into finance and trade
- Socio-economic analysis of climate risks and opportunities
- Trusted partner in international sustainability initiatives?
- Support for CSR and sustainability reporting targets
Get in touch
Do you have a question about nature-positive and climate-proof economies or opportunities to work with us? Please get in touch.
Explore other focus areas
Policy, governance and decision-making support
We support policymakers with science-based insights for effective, inclusive and future-proof agri-food and environmental policies. Using advanced data analytics, sector expertise and scenario modelling, we help assess trade-offs, forecast impacts, and guide strategic decisions in complex food and climate systems.
Policy, governance and decision-making support
We support policymakers with science-based insights for effective, inclusive and future-proof agri-food and environmental policies. Using advanced data analytics, sector expertise and scenario modelling, we help assess trade-offs, forecast impacts, and guide strategic decisions in complex food and climate systems.
Societal transformations
Wageningen University & Research supports transformative change across food systems. We help governments, businesses and civil society actors identify entry points to shift consumer behaviour, production practices and institutional systems, ensuring transformations that are sustainable, inclusive and scalable.
Resilient production systems
We equip farmers, fishers and agri-food actors with science-based insights and practical tools to achieve sustainable livelihoods, efficient production and informed decision-making. Our expertise helps build a resilient, fair and future-proof food system.
Transparent value chains
Transparency in value chains is essential for building fair and sustainable food systems. Wageningen University & Research supports businesses and policymakers by measuring and reducing environmental, social and economic impacts, enabling evidence-based decisions that contribute to a resilient and future-proof food system.
Healthy and sustainable consumption
Wageningen University & Research helps governments, businesses and NGOs design and evaluate effective strategies for healthier and more sustainable food choices. Using global consumer data and behavioural science, we support impactful interventions that contribute to a food system that benefits both people and the planet.
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