Biodiversity and nature first approaches

19 May 2026
Nature, Climate and Resilience Stage

As environmental expectations rise, utilities must move beyond compliance to adopt nature-first strategies that deliver meaningful biodiversity gains in operations and infrastructure delivery. This session will unpack how to measure and monitor biodiversity, harness the power of nature and deliver a positive impact to the local environment.


Chair welcome and introduction
Gabriela Dotro, Chair - Constructed Wetlands Association

Biodiversity net gains explained
Nick White, Principal Advisor - Net Gain - Natural England

Delivering biodiversity net gain: across varying habitats
Emily Johns, Nature Strategy Manager - SSE

Benefits of nature-based solutions for the water industry
Ruth Barden, Director of Environmental Solutions - Wessex Water

Talk title to be advised
To be announced

Chairperson
Gabriela Dotro
Gabriela Dotro, Chair - Constructed Wetlands Association
Speakers
Nick White
Nick White, Principal Advisor - Net Gain - Natural England
Emily Johns
Emily Johns, Nature Strategy Manager - SSE
Ruth Barden
Ruth Barden, Director of Environmental Solutions - Wessex Water