Strengthening Pathways for Alternative socio-economic paradigms and governance frameworks and Response-able Knowledge and action for Biodiversity-Positive and just futures

The current growth-oriented socio-economic paradigm drives biodiversity loss, climate change and inequality. While alternative paradigms such as degrowth, wellbeing economy and ecosystem-based governance exist, they are fragmented and rarely institutionalised, with limited insight into their effects on the biodiversity–climate–equity nexus. Mainstream scenarios often mirror status quo, ignoring diverse values and paths. This lack of credible visions for alternative biodiversity- and equity-positive futures fuels inertia and blocks change.SPARK4B+ (Strengthening Pathways for Alternative socio-economic paradigms and governance frameworks and Response-able Knowledge and action for Biodiversity-Positive and just futures) makes these paradigms tangible, credible and actionable. It combines qualitative (visioning, narratives, systems mapping, behavioural and arts-based methods) with quantitative (socio-economic and ecological modelling, trade-off and co-benefit analysis) approaches, enabled by co-creation and AI, with Transformation Labs and Demonstrator Cases across six countries and seven sectors developing and testing pathways, with coalitions and champions sustaining impact. SPARK4B+ assesses paradigms and governance (WP1), advances visioning methods (WP2), refines models and tools (WP3), develops and pilots pathways (WP4–5), builds coalitions and champions (WP6), and ensures communication and outreach (WP7). By bridging imagination and evidence, SPARK4B+ equips stakeholders with tools for biodiversity-positive and just futures.SPARK4B+ will support the implementation of biodiversity, climate and social policies with evidence, scenarios, and tools, while advancing societal change through tested interventions in agriculture, forestry, water, finance, health, education and urban development. It will empower champions, foster inclusive leadership and embed biodiversity-positive practices in governance, communities and everyday life.