Nature Action Dialogues: Health–Nature Nexus The Case for Business Leadership
At the Nature Action Dialogue hosted by UNEP-WCMC and Globalbalance Ltd, we explored the deepening connections between human and planetary health—and the essential role of business leadership in tackling them.
Key discussion points and takeaways included:
The business case is clear:
Nature loss threatens labour productivity, heightens operational risks, and erodes long-term business resilience. Inaction at the health–nature nexus is no longer just a sustainability concern—it represents a material risk and a missed opportunity for value creation. Professor Paula Harrison presented key insights from the IPBES Nexus Assessment on the Interlinkages Among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health that highlights the complex trade-offs and synergies across these domains. Liz Willetts then introduced the Convention on Biological Diversity Global Action Plan on Biodiversity and Health, underscoring the vital role of the private sector in advancing an integrated agenda that delivers for both people and planet.
Breaking silos between health and environment:
Many companies already deliver health co-benefits through environmental action, even if not framed that way or measured. Recognising and reinforcing these links can strengthen both impact and strategy.
Examples of action from the panel:
- Stora Enso: biodiversity programmes and open-access forests supporting mental and physical health
- Nestlé: regenerative agriculture and efforts to link nutrition with nature
- Chiesi Group: sustainable respiratory care and net zero targets
- Omnia El Omrani, MD: climate change and mental health and climate-health financing
Systems change will require:
1. Better tools to measure and link health outcomes to nature-positive action
2. Stronger incentives across policy and finance
3. Collaboration within and between sectors to overcome silos
4. New expertise
“Healthy landscapes and seascapes enable healthy companies and healthy people.” The conversation is growing—thank you to all who contributed.
This post reflects highlights from the session and acknowledges the contributions of speakers, without implying endorsement.