Mistra BIOPATH secures further funding (Phase II)
– SEK 50 million for research into biodiversity and the financial system
The research programme Mistra BIOPATH works to integrate biodiversity as a natural part of all decision-making within the financial system and the business sector. In its second phase, Mistra BIOPATH will work to promote learning processes and the implementation of new solutions, as well as to put into perspective preparedness measures that protect the values of nature.
Following an evaluation by an international expert panel, Mistra’s board has decided to award Mistra BIOPATH SEK 50 million for a second four-year phase. The expert panel highlights the programme’s ability to achieve its objectives, both in terms of scientific publications and in practice-oriented research and activities designed to foster societal engagement.
Biodiversity issues require new forms of expertise and strategic development
“Mistra BIOPATH’s research clearly shows that integrating biodiversity into financial systems and corporate operations presents entirely different challenges than measures to reduce climate impact. Whilst climate action has largely become routine, work on biodiversity requires new forms of learning, specialised expertise and strategic development within organisations. I look forward to the exciting development of the programme, where increased collaboration between different research fields will generate new and useful knowledge,” says Lisa Almesjö, Programme Manager at Mistra.
In its next phase, Mistra BIOPATH will be based on three thematic research areas, led by interdisciplinary teams. The programme will work closely with a number of partners to develop and implement strategies and tools that lead to biodiversity being better integrated into decision-making within industry and the financial system.
Focus on learning processes and capacity building to mobilise business and finance
“Building on a strong foundation from the programme’s first phase, Mistra BIOPATH is now taking a decisive step from understanding to implementation. In phase two, we are focusing on promoting learning processes and capacity building to mobilise businesses and financial actors to integrate biodiversity into core strategies and decision-making. It has been an incredible privilege to lead this interdisciplinary team of brilliant researchers and committed partners in various activities involving testing and co-creating innovative solutions. My motivation for phase two is to ensure that scientific insights, policy development and shared learning are translated into coordinated action for a nature-positive economy,” says Susanne Arvidsson, Programme Director for Mistra BIOPATH.
Mistra BIOPATH consists of a large consortium led by Lund University. Phase two also involves researchers from the University of Gothenburg and the University of Exeter, as well as many partners from policy, industry, the financial sector, government agencies, regions and local authorities. The partners contribute with an additional 18 M SEK in-kind to the budget which in total will amount to 68 M SEK.