Join us for 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 pivotal 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.

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.

Event Details:

08:30 - 09:30: Registration, Networking, & Silent Auction
Tea and biscuits will be available.

09:30: Event Open
Opening remarks by Judith Diment - Rotary Representative to The Commonwealth

09:35 - 10:30: Speakers:

Michael Mainelli - The Lord Mayor of London and Alderman Professor
Michael will present a quick review of the paper "What Happens If We ‘Burn All the Carbon’?", and summarise actionable strategies for how businesses, charities, and community groups can effectively advocate for and implement policy changes. His talk will also introduce the Thames Estuary project, detailing its motivations, and underscore the urgency of addressing biodiversity and sustainability challenges through compelling statistics and figures.

Alison Debney - Zoological Society in London
ZSL will explore the critical ecological importance and extensive benefits of The Thames Estuary Restoration Project, with a focus on its role in the conservation of the Thames. The discussion will highlight how seagrass and oysters contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem health, and why they were selected as part of the Transforming the Thames project. Building on this, the talk will address the technical aspects of implementing the project, emphasising the need for meticulous planning and strategic execution.

Mark Call - Royal Thames Yacht Club
The Royal Thames Yacht Club will explore the intangible cultural value of the Thames and our oceans through the distinctive perspective of a sailor, and then go on to provide an overview of natural capital and nature markets.

Candy Liu - President of Rotary Club of London
Candy will discuss RCL's active involvement in the project, highlighting their dedication to sustainability through practices such as addressing financed emissions and transitioning to Reliance Bank. 

10:30 - 10:45: Comfort Break, Networking, & Silent Auction

Heidi Prislan - The Blue Charter Advisor at The Commonwealth
Heidi will provide insights into Commonwealth perspectives on ocean conservation, with a focus on the Blue Charter and its initiatives. The talk will also explore the financing of ocean protection and introduce the Ocean Funder Database as a key resource.

11:15 - 12:15
Financing Biodiversity Panel Discussion: Who can pay for Nature?
A panel discussion and Q&A session on financial strategies for biodiversity conservation.

12:15: Event Close
Closing Remarks from Himanshu Jain, Rotary District Governor.

12:20: Networking, & Silent Auction
The Final opportunity to network with attendees and speakers, as well as bid in the silent auction.

Silent Auction - All the funds raised will be dedicated to supporting coastal restoration in The Thames Estuary. This will be implemented by ZSL and the specific project which will be funded will be launched at this event.