Plenary sessions
Four of the symposium sessions will be held in plenary. We will begin each day with interesting panels that will also focus on the issues for that day. The symposium will conclude with joint reflections on the conference and how we will work going forward. Below you will find more information about each plenary session.
13:00–14:30: Opening session: Is Swedish biodiversity governance transformative?
Venue: Wallenberg Hall
Opening remarks: Madeleine Jonsson, Chair of the Environment and Regional Development Committee, Västra Götaland Region
Keynote: Transformative change for Biodiversity - what it means and how we can achieve it
Karen O'Brien, Professor of Human Geography at the University of Oslo.
In this talk, Karen O'Brien will highlight key findings from the IPBES Transformative Change Assessment and consider its practical implications for realizing the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity. Focusing on key strategies and actions, she will discuss the role of actors coalitions and agency in overcoming systemic barriers and promoting transformative change for a just and sustainable world.
Panel discussion: Is Swedish biodiversity governance transformative?
Based on international discussions about the need for societal change, this panel will reflect on how transformative Swedish biodiversity governance is. What steps are needed next to strengthen implementation and ensure that society can meet national and international commitments? And what is hindering the transition? The discussion will highlight different perspectives on the issue.
Panellists:
- Johan Kuylenstierna, Director-General of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
- Maria Schultz, Deputy CEO and Conservation Director, WWF Sweden
- Mikael Karlsson, Associate Professor Climate Change Leadership, Uppsala University
Moderator: Kimberly Nocholas, Professor of Sustainability Science at Lund University.
Day 2, 9:00–10:00: Panel discussion: Societal transformation – How do we make it happen?
Venue: Wallenberg Hall
In this panel, we reflect on new methods that make a difference. How do we translate theory into practice? And what can we learn from successful projects and innovative collaborations?
Introduction: Professor David Hill, President of Foundation For Nature
Panel 1 – Theory:
- Camilla Sandström, Umeå University
- Leonard Sandin, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, NINA
- Jörgen Sundin, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation
- Jenny Wik Karlsson, Swedish Sami Association, SSR
Panel 2 – Practice:
- Åsa Domeij, Axfood
- Magnus Ljung, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SLU
- Johan Niss, County Administrative Board of Skåne
DAY 3, 9:00–10:00: Panel discussion: Future Directions? Unlocking a Sustainable Future.
Venue: Wallenberg Hall
In the final panel, we talk to some of the people who can enable transformative change. Who is driving the change and what is holding it back? And what do different groups of actors need from each other?
Panel 1 – Companies
- Sophie Carlen, Jernkontoret
- Markus Hoffman, LRF
- Erika Olsson, Organic Farmers
- Anders Enetjärn, Ecogain
- Helena Markstedt, Arla
Panel 2 – Politics, Authorities and Civil Society
- Fredrik Hannerz, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
- Karin Lexén, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation
- Magnus Tannerfeldt, Formas
- Per Bolund, Stockholms universitet
Day 3, 15:10–15:40: Concluding session – reflections from the conference
Venue: Wallenberg Hall
- Markus Hoffman, LRF
- Fredrik Hannerz, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency
- Marie Stenseke, University of Gothenburg