The circular economy - a transformative approach to tackle key drivers of biodiversity loss

Resource extraction and processing are responsible for more than 90% of global biodiversity loss and water stress. To halt and reverse biodiversity loss, nature conservation and restoration efforts on their own—crucial though they are—will not be enough. As expressed by the IPBES, we will also need to fundamentally rethink our production and consumption systems so that biodiversity can be brought back and safeguarded. The transition to a circular economy offers an actionable framework for such transformative change, redesigning the economy towards a nature positive future which includes, for example, tackling the overexploitation of resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and pollution associated with the current take-make-waste economy.

On 8 September, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, L'Institut National de l'Economie Circulaire (INEC), the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) invite you to the #EUCircularTalks. The event will discuss how the circular economy as a framework for system solutions and transformation can help tackle key drivers of biodiversity loss. Speakers will present ways to strengthen the relationship between the circular economy and biodiversity goals. The hybrid event will take place at IUCN’s World Conservation Congress in Marseille and will be live-broadcasted on ECESP communication channels.

Join the live discussion in the event’s LinkedIn Group

Programme

Moderator: Alberto Arroyo Schnell, Head of Policy and Programme, IUCN

15:00 Welcome by the moderator

15:02 Introducing the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) and describing the policy background to the discussion on the role of the circular economy in halting and reversing biodiversity loss

  • Emmanuelle Maire, Directorate-General for the Environment, Head of Unit for Sustainable Production, Products and Consumption

15:10 Regenerating nature requires transforming the economy: An explorative conversation (pre-recorded intervention)
How can we better understand the relationship between our economy and the natural world? What is the circular economy? Why does it matter for biodiversity? Which areas, sectors and solutions are critical? 

  • Soukeyna Gueye, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Project Manager, Insight and Analysis
  • Tim Forslund, Sitra – The Finnish Innovation Fund, Specialist, Circular Economy for Biodiversity

15:25 How can we join the dots on circular economy and biodiversity  (Live in Marseille)
What is the potential? Which opportunities do we see for different stakeholders, for policymakers at various levels?

  • Marline Weber, Head of Legal and European Affairs, INEC
  • Barbara Pia Oberč, Policy Officer, IUCN

15:35 Moderated Q&A session with the live audience in Marseille

  • Marline Weber, Head of Legal and European Affairs, INEC
  • Barbara Pia Oberč, Policy Officer, IUCN
  • Emmanuelle Maire, Head of Unit ‘Sustainable Production, Products and Consumption’, Directorate General for the Environment, European Commission

15:50 Closing remarks and next step
The official launch of the online discussion.

Have a look at the recent INEC publication Circular economy, ecosystems and biodiversity - Towards a joint approach.