Biodiversity loss is accelerating, threatening ecosystems, businesses and societies. One million species face extinction, and over half of global GDP is at risk. Sweco’s Urban Insight report highlights key drivers of biodiversity loss and emerging opportunities to reverse this trend. 

Understanding the fundamentals of biodiversity is crucial to developing effective solutions that benefit both our planet and businesses. This report sheds light on these essentials while showcasing successful initiatives and innovative solutions that promote biodiversity and support the systemic change required.

Sweco plays a vital role as a leading engineering firm in setting an example for integrated projects, particularly in the realm of biodiversity. We have a responsibility to enhance the ecological quality of our projects, and go beyond mere compliance with regulations.

Nina Wauters, project manager biodiversity

Preserving ecological features and recreating ecological continuities in project development is not merely an option; it is a public necessity. Every project should begin with an ecological screening and have the contact information of an ecological representative readily available.

Key 5 trends

These five trends have been identified by Sweco experts and practitioners from across the biodiversity field, who continuously monitor developments across a wide range of business sectors.

1. Biodiversity into financial decision making: Integrating biodiversity into investment strategies.
2. Biodiversity offset markets: Creating markets for biodiversity credits to incentivize conservation.
3. Increased conservation investment: Boosting public and private funding for biodiversity projects.
4. Bringing biodiversity into cities: Enhancing biodiversity through urban rewilding initiatives.
5. Digital tools and AI: Leveraging technology to accelerate biodiversity monitoring and decision-making.