Our approach

  • What we do: our mission

    Our mission is to develop and catalyze solutions that transform the relationship between people and nature. We use the power of knowledge and the creativity of engagement to empower agents of change. The Wyss Academy for Nature was created to do things differently – to help solve complex problems that have been affecting not just the environment, but ever more people around the world.

  • The challenges we face: our vision

    Our vision for the future is a world in which the relationship between people and nature is both just and mutually beneficial. But our planet is facing existential problems: such as climate breakdown, biodiversity loss, poverty, and inequality. In an increasingly hyperconnected world, these cannot be addressed separately. They are interconnected and may have multiple causes. There is no silver bullet answer to these wicked problems: A solution that works in one landscape or for one person (or animal, or plant) can be another’s burden. Untangling the knots may bring surprises and unexpected side-effects.

  • Our answer

    To deal with the complex existential problems of biodiversity loss, climate breakdown, unjust land use, poverty and inequality, a new approach is needed. We must address the driving forces behind them, by fundamentally transforming the systems that affect our relationship with nature and with each other – such as how we produce our food, run the economy, generate energy, or plan and organize our cities. To overcome the growing gap between understanding the problems and concrete action, we follow a unique approach: Solutionscapes.

  • Solutionscape approach explained

    The Wyss Academy’s unique approach—known as the Solutionscape approach—is designed to tackle complex challenges that affect both people and nature, such as environmental degradation and competition for resources between wildlife and local communities. By focusing on local priorities and maintaining a global perspective, the approach brings together Indigenous Peoples, local communities, governments, scientists, and businesses to co-create and test real-world solutions. Discover the five key elements that make this approach effective.

    Solutionscape approach
  • 01

    People centered

    We encourage and support diversity, wellbeing, and personal growth, promoting talent and fruitful partnerships.

  • 02

    Entrepreneurial

    We courageously and responsibly harness opportunities and find innovative ways to accelerate our impact, while remaining adaptive and resilient in the face of challenges.

  • 03

    Transparent and fair

    We apply the highest ethical, scientific and technical standards throughout our work and communicate openly, truthfully and respectfully, exchanging and sharing knowledge for empowerment.

  • 04

    Impact driven

    We strive for our ambitious goals collaboratively, with enthusiasm and perseverance, leaving positive imprints on the planet.

  • 05

    Innovation oriented

    In reaching out to others, we co-create with curiosity, discover, foster creativity, and communicate our successes and failures so that we can learn from them.

Our values serve as a guiding star for our daily interactions at work and for taking decisions that affect the success and impact we strive to have as an organization, in collaborations and partnerships, and in our everyday work life. At the Wyss Academy for Nature, acting in accordance with our values is expected at all times.