Blowing up the Barriers: Delivering Sustainable Infrastructure in a Rapidly Changing World

The IUCN World Conservation Congress hybrid in-person and virtual forum session(Sept 6, 2021) hosted by WWF, UNEP-WCMC, and the Development Corridors Partnership brought together experts from across public and private sectors to explore practical solutions to the complex challenges faced in the planning and implementation of sustainable infrastructure. Setting the tone of the session, Nicolas Buchoud, a leading infrastructure expert and our session moderator, posed the question: How can we break barriers to acquaint the world of infrastructure with biodiversity?

Over the course of the ninety-minute session, key insights and examples were provided to illuminate the practical and realistic solutions available for future sustainable infrastructure development. The discussion was guided by overarching responses to the challenges surrounding data and standards; awareness, technical capacity, and know-how; collaboration & participatory approaches; and policy and regulatory incentives.