Utrecht University at NetworkNature Annual Event “Choose Nature” (September 15–17, 2025 • Brussels)

Utrecht University was represented by Katrin Merfeld at the NetworkNature EU Annual Event 2025 – “Choose Nature.” Across three days, participants explored Nature-based Solutions (NBS) from multiple angles.

• Financing nature: A core theme for the Utrecht University School of Economics team (Helen Toxopeus, Charlotte Demonsant, and Jessica Lillquist, PhD), spotlighting investment pathways and financial instruments for NBS.

• NBS values & nature-positive economy: Sessions ranged from societal values of NBS to doughnut economics applications (e.g., Grenoble).

• Task forces & communications: In small groups, Merfeld contributed to marketing and communications for NBS, focusing on clearer messaging and audience targeting.

• Peer learning included exchanges with Naturescapes project siblings such as TRANS-Lighthouses and COEVOLVERS, strengthening cross-project knowledge sharing.

ClimEx-PE impact

• EU-level insights on financing and value framing feed into ClimEx-PE’s exploitation plan and KPI refinement.

• Practical guidance on NBS communications will inform stakeholder materials for MAR-related pilots.

• New contacts and task-force links open channels for data exchange and joint outreach.