Invitation
Investing in Nature Restoration – Building a Sustainable Future is an in-person event dedicated to the growing field of nature restoration financing and its benefits for both investors and biodiversity.
One of the key objectives of the LIFE B4B project is to explore innovative and additional financing instruments to support nature and biodiversity restoration. In that context, we are organising a three-day event in June 2026 focused on public and private financing for nature restoration.
Throughout the event, leading experts, practitioners and stakeholders will come together to exchange insights, share experiences and jointly explore concrete solutions for financing nature restoration.
Date and location
2 June 2026 - 4 June 2026 in Leuven, Belgium
Programme
2 June 2026 – Plenary sessions (9.30 - 17.30)
The first plenary day we gradually set-up the scene about private funding. Our first speaker will introduce us to private funding. How does private funding works or not. A brief history of private funding should demonstrate the do’s and don’t’s of private funding. The next session will be about financial instruments. Several speakers will discuss what kind of financial instruments do exist and can be used or already being used. Now we know the instruments, we will explore the needs: what does nature conservation requires but also what does private sector expects from investing in nature. In short: what is the win-win in investing the money.
In the afternoon, Conservation Finance Network of the USA will provide us some perspectives of how private financing works in the US. Followed by some EU examples: concrete cases how certain instruments have been put in practice (or close to market).
Closing the day will be done by having a reflexion panel that will interact with the audience. Future challenges? Potential instruments? Pitfalls?
After the panel you will have the opportunity to further discuss and network during our extended reception where you can bring your own regional specialties! What is better to discuss and get to know each other with nice food and drinks!
3 June 2026 – Field visits (9.00 - 17.00)
The objective of the second day is about visiting concrete examples in the field but also to continue networking during some nice excursions. We will visit sites where private investors make the difference and more important, generating win-win situations. Biodiversity loss is halted or even reversed and natural resources are secured which are essential for many enterprises. One visit will focus on the river Dyle: how ecosystem restoration contributes to flood prevention, water supply and other ecosystem services. The second visit will focus on restoration projects in Belgium with a high socio-economic impact.
4 June 2026 – Interactive workshops (9.00 - 15.00)
The third day, time to dive deeper into private funding. During several workshops you can discuss topics like biodiversity credits, carbon credits, philanthropic resources, green washing, restoration plans and finances, marine restoration, developing business cases,… etc. The floor is yours
The event will enn at 15:00 in the afternoon.
Excursion on 3 June 2026
Be sure to provide appropriate clothing for rainy weather and an extra pair of shoes for on the bus.
Link to the livestream
(only on day 1)
Free of charge
This event is free of charge. LIFE B4B will provide lunch for the 3 days and a dinner on the first day.
Places are limited. The LIFE B4B management team therefore reserves the right to give priority to projects and participants who are working towards the same objectives and/or can actively contribute to the event.
Day 1 will also be streamed, allowing us to reach an even wider audience.
We are committed to organising this event as sustainably as possible. If you are unable to attend, please let us know in good time so that we can work together to prevent food waste.
Transportation and overnight stay are at the own expence of the participants. The costs for LIFE projects participants are eligible for LIFE.
Venue
Dirk Boutsgebouw
Diestsepoort 6, 3000 Leuven
https://maps.app.goo.gl/17CHhsSJmrrwCS3N8
Photo - Facilitair bedrijf VO
How to get there?
By train
The venue is easily accessible from the airport by train. The journey takes about 15 minutes.
The Dirk Bouts building is located next to Leuven's SNCB station, to the right of the main entrance and bus station.
Coming from the platform, walk towards the centre. Just before the underground car park De Bond, turn right towards the bus station (arrow ‘Diestsevest’). This corridor comes out above ground. Follow that corridor and the footpath and you will reach the main entrance to the building.
By bus
The Dirk Bouts building is next to the platforms of De Lijn's ‘Leuven Station’ stop. The bus stop at the front of the station has a wide range of buses. There is also a bus stop at the back of the station (‘Kessel-Lo Back of Station’)
By bike
The entrance to the underground bicycle shed is on the side of the building (bus station side). Employees can use the secure bicycle parking area (with badge). Visitors can, subject to the use of a visitor's badge, use the first part of the bicycle parking area.
What to do in Leuven?
Where to stay?
