The conference People and Planet: From Theory to Solutions will be organized in Lahti, Finland, for the third time from March 24 to 26, 2026.
This multisectoral conference brings together researchers, specialists, decision-makers, and business representatives from Europe and beyond to find solutions for planetary health and regional vitality. The conference explores synergies and contradictions between biodiversity, health, and the economy, offering an opportunity to share and discuss new scientific findings and practical solutions in a transdisciplinary environment.
The overarching questions of this conference are: How can regional vitality and well-being be achieved while benefiting both people and the rest of nature?
Whether you are a researcher or a practical actor, we invite you to submit your proposal (max. 300 words) no later than September 10, 2025.
We invite three types of contributions, both scientific and practical:
The proposals may align with one or more of the following topics:
Practice-focused contributions could address novel tools, metrics, and approaches related to the topics. We hope to see bold examples of how to not only minimize the harm but also improve the state of nature. Posters are encouraged and can be suggested by organizers as an alternative to a talk. See below for more details on the theme and topics, as well as the general conditions for the proposal submissions.
Main organizer: Lahti University Campus
Planetary health emphasizes that, as humans are a part of nature, our health and well-being depend on the balance of natural systems. Addressing human well-being and environmental questions simultaneously enables synergies, more holistic solutions, and cost-effectiveness in taking responsibility and tackling complex challenges. Encouraging examples are emerging at an accelerating pace, yet many contradictions persist and hinder progress toward planetary health and sustainability transformations.
The contributions may align with one or more of the following topics:
1. From evidence to action: bringing nature’s health benefits into practice
Nature and biodiversity are vital not only for ecological integrity but also for human health, well-being, and economic sustenance. Nature contact can support mental and physical health. How strong is the evidence, and what are the mechanisms? How can we ensure that everyone can access and benefit from the biodiverse nature? What are the barriers and opportunities to embed biodiversity into health and social systems or products?
We welcome diverse contributions from researchers, practitioners, city planners, foundations, and business representatives to discuss scientific findings of the health impacts of nature and biodiversity and how to get this knowledge into practice. For instance, what are effective strategies for integrating biodiversity and nature-based health approaches into urban planning, healthcare systems, and businesses? What are the challenges and opportunities in financing, maintaining, or scaling up these initiatives?
2. Microbial exposure for good health. Has our life become too clean?
Contact with microbial diversity, through biodiverse environments, food, and water, can support the normal function of the immune system and reduce the risk for immune-mediated diseases, yet also carries the risk of pathogen exposure. What is the evidence on the benefits and risks of being exposed to microbial diversity? How can we promote beneficial human–biodiversity interactions while minimizing health risks? How, for example, could the food industry apply the knowledge of good microbial exposure in their operations and products? How can products and services be developed? We seek to promote a multi-level discussion over practical solutions for promoting safe microbial exposure as well as the ethical, legal, and policy challenges related to these exposures.
3. Thriving local economies in harmony with nature: how to make it a reality?
Regional biodiversity can support resilient, thriving regions, but how can this potential be translated into practical strategies and business ideas? The guiding questions to address this complex challenge are, for instance, what role does nature and biodiversity play in supporting vibrant, resilient regions, and how would the alternative economic models, such as the sufficiency approach, influence biodiversity, regional economies, and communities in practice. What policies and planning tools would promote nature-positivity and long-term economic well-being within planetary boundaries? What does a successful, sustainable, and nature-positive business look like, and what kind of competitive advantage could it give?
4. How can we support more inclusive decision-making for people and the rest of nature?
What we value in nature influences what we choose to protect. Planners and decision-makers balance between diverse and sometimes conflicting values regarding biodiversity, health, and economics. How should they, for instance, balance short-term gains and long-term well-being and vitality? What are the opportunities and limitations of accounting for the health benefits of biodiversity in economic terms, or calculating businesses’ nature footprints? How should we include soft values such as multispecies justice into decision-making and practice? Examples of successful policies and practices are welcome.
5. How can we live meaningfully and sustainably in a world of uncertainty and contradiction?
Our everyday and professional lives are often filled with contradictions. At times, we must act or make decisions that go against our values. Amid political and economic uncertainty, making bold choices can feel difficult. As we confront the loss of biodiversity, climate change, and other environmental crises, these uncertainties and inner conflicts can also challenge mental health. What do we need to live fulfilling lives and to build resilience and well-being in the changing world? What role do nature and biodiversity play in this process? We are interested in including the perspectives of business, public services, education, and media: what is their role and responsibility in shaping our lifestyles and connection to nature?
All the proposals should be written in English. All abbreviations must be defined in first use.
1. Oral presentations for sessions organized by the conference team
Submit a proposal (max 300 words) for a 15-minute oral presentation that relates to one or more of the conference topics described above. We welcome both scientific and practical presentations –you may select the type of your submission on the sending page. A limited number of oral presentations are accepted, and posters may be suggested by organizers as an alternative to an oral presentation.
Proposals for a practical-focused presentation should include a short introduction to the approach or practical case you would like to present, a description of the goals and actions taken, an explanation of the outcomes and impacts, and if and how they have been measured. Scientific proposals should follow the IMRAD structure: Introduction (research background and objective), Methods (how the research was conducted), Results (main findings), and Discussion (interpretation and significance of the results).
In selection, the following criteria will be evaluated:
2. Interactive sessions organized by the proposer
Submit a proposal (max 300 words) for an interactive session that allows for deeper discussion and knowledge exchange. Session proposals should be related to one or more of the topics listed above. Sessions may take the form of a workshop, a panel discussion, or a roundtable discussion. In the proposal, include the session topic, goals, and outcomes. Describe how the session will be executed in practice and how it will engage the audience.
A limited number of interactive sessions will be accepted. Please specify your desired technology and both participant and space wishes in the proposal, as these affect possibilities. There will be no additional abstract call for these sessions by the conference organizers, and therefore, session proposers are responsible for speaker/facilitator arrangements. Speakers should be named in the proposal.
In selection, the following criteria will be evaluated:
3. Posters
Posters are encouraged and might also be suggested by organizers as an alternative to an oral presentation, as a limited number of oral presentations can be accepted. Poster proposals should include the same information as the talk proposals, and the same evaluation criteria are used.
To proceed with the proposal submission, your agreement with the following statements is required: