The event, held on Friday, July 10 at Harbour Lights Picturehouse in Southampton, was organised by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust in collaboration with Natural England and other partners.
It drew councillors, business leaders, public sector representatives and environmental organisations from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight to discuss supporting economic growth through nature.
Debbie Tann MBE, chief executive of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “Nature is necessary, it’s not just a nice-to-have.
“It is the critical infrastructure that underpins our society, economy, and security.
“Nature is a powerful solution to confronting the colliding crises and risks we face, as well as key to unlocking opportunities, jobs and good, inclusive growth for the region.”
Attendees included leaders from the New Forest and South Downs National Parks, the Isle of Wight Biosphere and Voices for Climate and Nature.
They explored how investment in the natural environment can address flooding, improve public health, create jobs and support sustainable development.
The summit comes as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight prepare for political change, with a new combined county authority, an elected mayor and new unitary councils.
Ms Tann said: “We want local leaders to make bold, ambitious decisions for nature as the political landscape across our region changes.
“The decisions being made now will shape Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for decades to come.
“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure nature is recognised as critical infrastructure alongside transport, housing and energy.”
The event marks the start of a wider programme of engagement by the wildlife trust and its partners to ensure that environmental issues remain central as new governance structures are developed.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents also showed strong support, with more than 200 using the trust’s online tool to encourage council leaders to attend.
Research commissioned by the wildlife trust and produced by ARUP found broad agreement on the value of nature.
The report showed that 94 per cent of surveyed stakeholders agree that nature is important to the long-term success of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the Solent.
The trust will continue working with elected representatives, organisations and communities over the coming months to promote nature-positive decision-making as devolution plans progress.
