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Despite the fact that the term “biodiversity” is becoming more widely used in the world, many people still don't really know what it refers to. However, nature-positive activities that enrich nature are also deeply connected to human-positive activities that enrich people. For example, activities that nurture nature can lead to innovative ideas, and the natural environment is closely connected to human health. Culturally, Japan has a deep-rooted spirituality of coexistence between nature and people. In this session, we will shift our thinking to consider whether we can enrich nature and enrich people by enlisting the help of AI and technology, at a time when the global environment has reached a critical point from which there is no turning back. Planners aiming to solve social issues and create future value will take the lead in proposing a vision of the future in which nature and humanity are positive, making the most of their unique methods and creativity.

【Reflection】
The session aligned on building a Nature & Human Positive future by integrating quantitative metrics with qualitative engagement. Fujiki highlighted that biodiversity, unlike carbon, lacks unified units and metrics, which makes its evaluation inherently difficult. He explained initiatives that use AI-powered species identification from photos and gamified citizen-science applications to expand biodiversity observation. By leveraging these digital tools, Fujiki collaborates with more than eighty municipalities and seven hundred companies to enhance biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning.

Kamada discussed artworks that reveal invisible natural processes, such as microbial decomposition and the role of cyanobacteria in Earth’s early evolution. Through these works, she seeks to restore a sense of wonder and emotional connection to the natural world. She emphasized that technology and AI can recreate and visualize natural environments, providing new pathways for conservation awareness and engagement.

Naka introduced urban development projects such as Azabu Hills, which integrate far more greenery than conventional redevelopment schemes. He explained that these projects aim not only for aesthetic value but also to enhance and evaluate biodiversity within urban green spaces. AI and data are used to support the optimization of plant selection, maintenance, and ecosystem performance, helping cities reconnect with living systems.

Fukano reflected on the uncertainty of baseline conditions for ecological restoration and the need to quantify ecosystem services to guide policymaking and investment. He also noted that technology and art can visualize and share visions of desired future environments, bridging science and imagination.

During the Q&A, participants raised questions about data standards, privacy protection, and the trade-off between maintenance effort and biodiversity outcomes in urban settings. Discussion also addressed how to engage young generations more deeply in biodiversity initiatives. A shared understanding emerged that AI should not act as a top-down manager of nature but rather as a tool that supports the co-growth of people and natural systems.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】
The speakers highlighted the following as key perspectives for their respective research and business development after the conference:

(1) After the conference, efforts should be made to ensure discussions are not short-lived, but rather to advance initiatives that enhance implementation resolution. First, further promote the digitization, visualization, and analysis of biodiversity data. Continuously accumulate observation data through AI image recognition combined with citizen science. Expand collaboration with local governments and companies. Establish a foundation to support decision-making for conservation and restoration through indicator development and dashboard implementation.

(2) In the urban sector, generalize insights gained from cases like Azabudai Hills. Validate models that incorporate algorithms for optimizing plant selection and management, along with biodiversity value assessments, from the design phase. Concurrently, reflect the quantification of ecosystem services (flood mitigation, heat island mitigation, mental health, etc.) in procurement requirements and operational KPIs. Promote evaluations of urban green spaces that go beyond aesthetic appeal alone.

(3) To accelerate societal implementation, fostering an emotional connection to nature is essential. We will expand participation among younger generations by organizing exhibitions and workshops that integrate art and data at schools, museums, and community hubs. Furthermore, to encourage shifts in consumer and voter behavior, we will provide accessible information that supports choosing biodiversity-conscious products and services and endorsing related policies.

Finally, speakers proposed establishing collaborative frameworks that align economic incentives with biodiversity goals, enabling researchers, artists, businesses, and policymakers to operate under shared objectives. This framework will incorporate operational rules ensuring data openness, interoperability, privacy considerations, and accountability, while advancing the implementation of a “Nature & Human Positive” future through new metrics and narratives. It was proposed that efforts be sustained to pass on the principles of Agenda 2025 to the next generation.

*Part or all of this report was generated by AI.