From Awareness to Action: Embedding Nature and Biodiversity into Corporate Governance

On March 13th, Chapter Zero Brussels convened a transformative Masterclass designed for Board members and business leaders, spotlighting the crucial intersection of corporate governance, nature, and biodiversity. The event was an essential deep dive into how organizations can integrate nature-positive strategies into their corporate frameworks, addressing both risks and opportunities.

The day featured an impressive lineup of speakers, beginning with insights from Chapter Zero's Board members and its CEO, who set the stage by emphasizing the urgency of business action in safeguarding biodiversity. WWF’s Titus Ghyselinck and Natuurpunt’s Philip Meyermans provided expert perspectives on the state of global and local ecosystems, underscoring the tangible business risks of biodiversity loss.

Leading consultants from Accenture and KPMG shared practical approaches for companies to assess their environmental impact and align sustainability goals with financial performance. Real-world implementation was brought to life through powerful testimonials from Petra Meekers (Sipef), Bernard Haspeslagh, Sabine Sagaert  and Greet Vanderheyden (Ardo), who outlined their companies’ journeys toward nature-conscious operations.

The Masterclass concluded with a compelling session by Bart Corijn, who detailed how Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) can embark on a structured journey with the Biodiversity Shift and develop a comprehensive Nature Strategy. His insights reinforced the notion that businesses must not only adapt but lead the charge in redefining their relationship with nature.

As organizations navigate an increasingly complex ESG landscape, events like Chapter Zero’s Masterclass serve as essential catalysts for change—empowering leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful, sustainable impact.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions, practical workshops, and inspiring testimonials, all designed to equip business leaders with actionable insights for integrating nature-positive strategies into their organizations.

Below is an overview of the day’s agenda, capturing the flow of sessions and key moments that made this Masterclass a transformative experience:

08:30 - 09:00 Coffee

09:00 - 09:15 Welcome & Introduction by Natacha Lippens, Chapter Zero Brussels 

09:15 - 10:15 Fireside chat on The Science of Nature and Biodiversity with Natacha Lippens, Chapter Zero Brussels - Titus Ghyselinck, WWF - Filip Meyermans, NatuurpuntExplore the latest scientific insights on nature and biodiversity, their connection to climate change, and why these topics are critical for business leaders today. Led by environmental experts, this session will lay the groundwork for understanding nature-related challenges and opportunities.

10:15 - 11:00 Testimonial by Petra Meekers - CEO Sipef

11:00 - 11:20 Coffee

11:20 - 12:30 What Does it Mean for Business? by Fiorella Sanchez, KPMGDelve into how nature and biodiversity impact business risk and opportunity, including regulatory requirements and reporting. This session will highlight the strategic importance of integrating nature considerations into business planning and decision-making.

12:30 - 13:30 Lunch Enjoy a break to recharge, network, and reflect on the morning sessions.

13:30 - 15:00 The Essentials of a Nature Strategy by Quentin Meekers, AccentureLearn the key components of a robust nature strategy for your organization, from assessment and commitment to transformation and disclosure. Gain practical insights from industry leaders on implementing these strategies effectively.

15:00 - 15:30 Coffee

15:30 - 16:30 Learning in Practice: Testimony by Bernard Haspeslagh, Board Member Ardo - Sabine Sagaert, CEO ArdoUnderstand how a company integrated nature into their business strategy. This session includes an interactive Q&A, offering real-world examples and lessons learned.

16:30 - 16:45 The Corporate Journey to Nature Restoration by The Shift

The Shift will present their journey to support corporations to put nature restoration on the corporate agenda.

16:45 - 17:30 Conclusions & Wrap Up Reflect on the sessions, and feedback. This final session will help consolidate your learnings and outline next steps for implementing a nature strategy in your organization.

The Chapter Zero Brussels Masterclass offered a powerful blend of scientific insight, practical guidance, and real-world examples, leaving participants with a clear understanding of both the urgency and the opportunity in addressing nature and biodiversity within their corporate strategies.

As businesses face growing expectations from regulators, investors, and society, the tools and knowledge shared during this day will help leaders move from awareness to action—shaping a future where companies not only mitigate their impact on nature but actively contribute to its restoration.

Thank you to all speakers, partners, and participants for making this Masterclass a catalyst for meaningful change.