The Lord Mayor’s Sustainability and Biodiversity Conference

September 25th 2024 at The Mansion House, London EC4N 8BH

The Lord Mayor's Sustainability and Biodiversity Conference - an engaging and insightful event dedicated to addressing the critical issues of sustainability, climate change, nature, and finance. 

This event will highlight the City of London's ambitious efforts to lead the global transition to a green economy, as we work to solidify our position as the world's Green Finance capital.

In the heart of London, the City is pioneering a transformative agenda that integrates sustainability into the financial services sector. With initiatives focused on green finance, climate resilience, and biodiversity enhancement, London is setting the standard for urban sustainability on a global scale.

This conference will bring together key stakeholders—nature and biodiversity specialists, institutional investors, financiers, and thought leaders—who are instrumental in shaping the future of green finance.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to collaborate, share insights, and explore innovative solutions that drive sustainable growth and protect our planet; including supporting a project led by ZSL that is part of a greater vision to restore the Thames.

By participating, you will be at the forefront of a movement that not only enhances London's economic resilience but also ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.

Thames Seagrass Restoration Project

Within the conference, we are launching a fundraiser for a Thames Restoration project implemented by ZSL, championed by The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Professor, Michael Mainelli.

This project is part of a much wider programme which focuses on much-needed restoration across the Thames.

You might be thinking

Why Seagrass?

Did you know that over 30 times more animals live within seagrass compared to habitats close by which are just sandy?

Seagrass meadows are vital for maintaining ocean health and serve as habitats for diverse marine life, including shellfish, seahorses, manatees, and sea turtles. These meadows help purify our oceans, stabilise coastlines, produce oxygen, support biodiversity, and capture carbon from the atmosphere.

The loss of seagrass leads to the disappearance of these crucial benefits for both people and the planet.

Some estimates in the UK claim that we’ve lost up to 90% of our seagrass, meaning our ecosystems are severely degraded - some of the worst environmental degradation in the world. (1)

The small discreet project we are supporting is scoped to be restored in a specific area, and the £25,000 we are aiming to raise will go directly towards collecting and planting seeds as well as ongoing scientific monitoring and reporting.

Rotary Club of London is also looking into championing this project in the wider community and encouraging local businesses, schools, and communities to look closer to home when it comes to biodiversity restoration.

For more details about the project and its wider scope, see The Zoological Society of London's page on it here.

Conference Programme

09:30: Event Open Opening remarks & moderation throughout the event by Judith Diment MBE – Rotary Representative to the Commonwealth

10:30 - 10:45: Comfort Break & Networking Announced by Ian Balcombe Chair of the Rotary Club of London Charitable Trust

Rob Sisson - Co-Founder @ Panicle Office	Samuel Sinclair - Founder @ Biodiversify	Pheobe Tucker - Nature Associate @ Green Finance Institute

Partners