According to the World Economic Forum Global Risks report, biodiversity is more at risk now than at any other point in human history. Despite this alarming fact, more than half the world’s total GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature. This interconnectedness between global economies and natural ecosystems underscores the urgency of addressing biodiversity loss as a critical issue.

Tackling biodiversity loss — marine, freshwater, and terrestrial — is particularly critical topic in the Arctic region, which is experiencing warming nearly four times faster than the rest of the planet. The Arctic’s unique ecosystems and the traditional ways of life of its Indigenous Peoples are under severe threat due to rapid climate change. Arctic communities are the canaries in the coal mine of the climate crisis, and this region’s significance to global biodiversity and the disproportionate impact it faces necessitates immediate and coordinated action.

We teamed up with the University of Zurich to build a robust network of scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and stakeholders to drive the biodiversity agenda in a region that is rapidly impacted by climate change. This will help ensure that those most affected have a voice in the conversation, with this collaborative effort aiming to combine scientific research with traditional ecological knowledge to create sustainable and inclusive strategies for biodiversity conservation.

As part of this initiative, we hosted a co-creation event during the World Biodiversity Forum 2024 in Davos. This Arctic Biodiversity Futures Workshop brought together people from 17 organizations who represented all regions of the Arctic. Inclusion of underrepresented voices, particularly Indigenous Peoples and youth, was at the heart of our approach to the project. They offer invaluable perspectives and are often at the forefront of climate impact.

At the event, Cornelia Neumann, partner in our Climate and Sustainability Practice, and office leader in our Amsterdam office, spoke with industry leaders, government representatives, scientists, and Indigenous Peoples about the importance of biodiversity.