

Investing in Nature: How Investment in Freshwater Ecosystems is Essential for the EU’s Future Competitiveness - EU Green Week Partner Event
Join us in Brussels for a special event hosted by the European Outdoor Conservation Association - EOCA - in partnership with EU Green Week.
Europe's freshwater ecosystems are under pressure, and the stakes for our climate, biodiversity and economic future couldn't be higher. This afternoon brings together leading voices from conservation, policy and the outdoor industry for expert keynotes.
Focus will shift from policy threats and opportunities to investment in protecting and restoring nature. Presenting a vision of a different way forward for Europe’s freshwater ecosystems
The session will cumulate with a keynote and a film screening by WET – Wildwasser erhalten Tirol. Highlighting community and NGO led efforts to prevent the pristine Platzertal and Oetz valleys from destructive and outmoded hydropower development planned for the Austrian Alps.
Followed by networking drinks.
Whether you're a policymaker, conservationist, industry professional or simply someone who cares about the future of Europe's rivers, lakes and wetlands, this is an afternoon not to be missed.
We hope to see you there.
Event Timings:
15:00 Arrivals & Registration
15:20 Welcome | Dan Yates, Executive Director, EOCA Conservation
15:35 Investing in the Future of Freshwater with Nikwax | In conversation with Jon Nash, COO at Nikwax and Dan Yates, Executive Director at EOCA Conservation
15:55 Energy Development & the Austrian Alps with WET Tirol
16:15 Coffee Break
16:25 Freshwater Under Threat - Policy Threats and Opportunities with Claire Baffert of WWF Europe and Alexandra Pimor of Earth Law Centre | An interactive experience bringing these topics into context and helping shape ideas for practical measures and actions.
17:25 Networking Break
17:45 Film Screening | WET Tirol
18:15 Networking & Drinks
19:00 Close (edited)