June marked another important step forward in positioning biodiversity as a cornerstone of sustainable development, with major international events reinforcing that protecting nature is no longer viewed solely as an environmental responsibility, but as a strategic investment in economic resilience, climate action and societal well-being.

The month began with the successful conclusion of EU Green Week 2026, where biodiversity took centre stage in discussions on Europe's future competitiveness. Throughout the conference, policymakers, businesses, investors and researchers highlighted that healthy ecosystems underpin food security, water resilience, climate adaptation, innovation and long-term economic prosperity. Nature was increasingly recognised as productive natural capital capable of creating value through sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, greener cities, entrepreneurship and nature-based innovation. The event also demonstrated the growing integration of biodiversity considerations into economic and financial decision-making, reinforcing the role of nature in Europe's transition towards a sustainable economy. More information is available on the EU Green Week 2026.

International scientific cooperation also gained momentum during the World Biodiversity Forum 2026, held in Davos from 14 to 19 June. Bringing together researchers, policymakers, businesses, civil society organisations and artists, the Forum focused on accelerating implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through transformative governance, biodiversity finance, Nature-based Solutions, social justice and cross-sectoral partnerships. Discussions highlighted the need for stronger collaboration across science, policy, finance and society, recognising that reversing biodiversity loss requires coordinated action well beyond traditional environmental governance. Further information is available at: https://worldbiodiversityforum.org/.

 Another significant milestone came during the 64th Session of the UNFCCC Subsidiary Bodies (SB64), held in Bonn from 8 to 18 June, where more than 300 scientists representing conservation, ecology, animal welfare and climate science presented the first cross-disciplinary scientific consensus calling for wildlife protection to become an integral component of global climate policy. The statement underlines the essential role that healthy wildlife populations play in maintaining ecosystem functions, regulating carbon and nutrient cycles, and increasing ecosystem resilience to climate change. The initiative also builds on growing international support for the proposed Wildlife for Climate Declaration, which African leaders are promoting ahead of COP30, recognising wildlife conservation as a key element of both climate mitigation and adaptation strategies. Together, these developments reinforce the increasingly accepted understanding that biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected challenges that require integrated policy responses. More information can be found on the UN Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Taken together, June's policy and scientific developments illustrate that biodiversity governance is entering a more implementation-oriented phase. The emphasis is progressively shifting from setting ambitious global targets towards mobilising investment, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening scientific cooperation, supporting evidence-based policymaking and translating international commitments into tangible action. As biodiversity becomes increasingly embedded within economic policy, financial systems, research agendas and climate adaptation strategies, the transition towards a nature-positive economy is emerging as one of the defining priorities for sustainable development in Europe and globally.

 At the same time, these positive developments unfold against a global backdrop where ongoing conflicts continue to undermine both human well-being and environmental resilience. Beyond their devastating humanitarian impacts, wars contribute to habitat destruction, pollution, ecosystem fragmentation and biodiversity loss, highlighting that lasting conservation success ultimately depends not only on science, policy and investment, but also on peace, stable governance and sustained international cooperation.