Nordea Supports Groundbreaking Biodiversity Research at the University of Jyväskylä

Nordea Supports Groundbreaking Biodiversity Research at the University of Jyväskylä

(IN BRIEF) Nordea has donated funds to support the University of Jyväskylä’s four-year research project focused on assessing the biodiversity footprint of economic activities. The research aims to improve understanding of how economic actions impact biodiversity, particularly in the Nordic countries, and will provide open-access data to help drive sustainability efforts. The university, a leader in biodiversity research, collaborates with various Finnish and global institutions. Nordea’s backing of this project aligns with its commitment to advancing knowledge of biodiversity and supporting companies in the region to reduce their negative impacts on nature.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 8-Jan-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Nordea (HEL: NDA-FI), a leading Nordic universal bank, has pledged financial support to the University of Jyväskylä’s new four-year research initiative, which will focus on developing open-access methods for evaluating the biodiversity footprint of economic activities. The university, a leader in biodiversity research across Europe, has already conducted pioneering studies on using consumption accounts to better understand the biodiversity and carbon footprints of organizations. This new project will explore both the opportunities and challenges of assessing the impact and dependency of economic activities on biodiversity, particularly in the Nordic countries, and examine sectors such as real estate that are especially vulnerable to biodiversity loss.

The results of the research, including crucial data, will be made publicly available, ensuring that all stakeholders can access and apply the findings to advance the sustainability transition in Nordic societies. Nordea’s support for this biodiversity-focused research highlights its commitment to improving understanding of nature within both the corporate and financial sectors, as well as the broader community. The ongoing loss of biodiversity is one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, driven by factors like land-use change, climate change, pollution, and the over-exploitation of natural resources. This research aims to deepen understanding of the global impacts of consumption habits, production methods, and trade patterns, and where these impacts are most acutely felt.

Anja Hannerz, Nordea’s Head of Group Sustainability, emphasized the growing importance of biodiversity on the sustainability agenda. “Biodiversity is quickly becoming the next major sustainability issue after climate change. At Nordea, we are working to enhance our ability to address this critical area and support the transition of Nordic companies toward reducing their negative impacts on nature while increasing their positive contributions. This research will provide vital insights to guide financial institutions in their decision-making and help our customers navigate this transition,” said Hannerz.

The University of Jyväskylä is collaborating with several respected Finnish institutions, including the Natural Resources Institute Finland, the Finnish Environment Institute, and The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra. The university has also partnered with international companies, such as Nokia, and works closely with research teams worldwide.

Professor Janne Kotiaho, from the University of Jyväskylä and Chair of the Finnish Nature Panel, shared the university’s enthusiasm for the donation. “This generous contribution will allow us to expand our research and carry out ambitious studies both within the Nordic region and globally. The latest scientific insights demonstrate that nature-focused solutions can offer a range of co-benefits for climate, water, food, and health. Assessing the biodiversity footprint is a crucial tool for financial institutions, organizations, and society to identify key action areas and fight biodiversity loss,” Kotiaho explained.

About the University of Jyväskylä Biodiversity Footprint Team
The University of Jyväskylä’s team boasts world-class expertise in developing and assessing biodiversity footprints for various entities. They have worked with prominent companies such as Nokia, SRV, S-Group, and local governments like the cities of Tampere and Espoo, and continue to collaborate with universities and research institutions across Europe and the globe.

Nordea is a universal bank with a 200-year history of supporting and growing the Nordic economies, helping to enable dreams and aspirations for a greater good. Every day, the bank works to support its customers’ financial growth, providing best-in-class omnichannel customer experiences and driving sustainable change. Nordea’s shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki, Nasdaq Copenhagen, and Nasdaq Stockholm exchanges. For more information, visit nordea.com.

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SOURCE: Nordea Bank