On 12 and 13 September, Steffi Czerny and Maria Furtwängler will bring experts from science, business, politics and society to Munich to present new solutions for biodiversity and business in harmony with nature.
Biodiversity is the foundation of life on earth. It is vital to global value creation, health, and security. However, it faces unprecedented threats. Recognizing the urgency of this challenge, experts from politics, technology, business, and culture convened at DLD Nature to build alliances and develop innovative solutions for biodiversity protection.
Hosted and curated by DLD founder Steffi Czerny and actress, producer, and MaLisa Foundation co-founder Maria Furtwängler, the event brought together 750 participants and over 70 distinguished speakers on September 12 and 13 at the Munich Urban Colab. Notable attendees included Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, Rossmann founder Dirk Rossmann and Weleda CEO Tina Müller.
“The biodiversity crisis is man-made. But the good news is that we, as humans, have the ability to mitigate the damage, and save our planet. However, this is only possible if we understand the intricate connections between all aspects of life. It is an integral task for each and every one of us. We are nature, that is a simple fact."
Steffi Czerny, DLD founder
Conserving biodiversity requires an interdisciplinary approach, as nature conservation transcends national borders and cannot be viewed through the lens of any single discipline. International experts, such as Katrin Böhning-Gaese, shared insights from their research, while Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Co-President of the Club of Rome, emphasized the need for policy frameworks that protect biodiversity. Maja Göpel, a transformation researcher, highlighted the systemic pitfalls to avoid in policymaking. Climate scientist Johan Rockström stressed how climate change and biodiversity loss present twin crises threatening the planet. In a keynote address, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged participants to embrace new mindsets and reward actions that protect the planet. She argued that this would not only foster market growth but also preserve nature.
"Since I was a little girl, 70% of all wildlife has disappeared. In my lifetime, the world has gone off-balance because of human action. But in my grandchildren's lifetime, this balance can be restored, to allow nature to recover. This is the story of humanity. After every crisis, a recovery is possible. It is not for granted, but with the spirit of innovators and problem solvers it can be done. The children of today would never forgive us if we did not rise to the challenge. Let us do it."
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission
Stefan Schwarz of Swarovski Optik and Mirko Kovac of Imperial College London showcased how new technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), can play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. They demonstrated how AI can enhance our understanding of ecosystems and improve conservation efforts. David Schmider, from the start-up Hula Earth, introduced innovative approaches to measuring biodiversity using digital tools.
DLD Nature serves as a launchpad for long-term dialogue and collaboration aimed at building a globally sustainable future. The event fostered innovation, knowledge exchange, and idea generation. Together with co-hosts Auguste von Bayern (Biotopia), Eckart von Hirschhausen (“Healthy Earth – Healthy People” Foundation), Jan-Gisbert Schultze (Acton Capital Partners), Helmut Schönenberger (UnternehmerTUM), and Martin Stuchtey (The Landbanking Group), Czerny and Furtwängler transformed the Munich Urban Colab into a hub of change.
"After two exciting days, I am very exhausted, but above all very happy. The magnitude of biodiversity loss became painfully clear, especially through Ursula von der Leyen’s powerful speech. Yet, the message from her and the over 70 experts is that there is still room for action. Whether through entrepreneurial vision, scientific innovation, or political will. This DLD has given us courage and strength. Now, let’s build on this momentum."
Maria Furtwängler, actress, producer, and MaLisa Foundation co-founder
Further images can be found on Flickr.
The manuscript of Ursula von der Leyen's keynote speech can be found here.
