The roles of actors in nature-positive transformations

Nature positive is gaining momentum as a global goal to halt and reverse nature loss. Yet the scale and pace of action are inadequate to curb accelerating biodiversity decline, threatening the foundations of economies and society. Applying sustainability transitions frameworks, we map key system actors to conceptualise their drivers, barriers, interactions and roles they can play to overcome institutional constraints and advance six nature transformation strategies. Our analysis proposes four ideal-type roles for transformative change: (1) direct impactors adopt solutions to directly halt or reverse nature’s decline; (2) rule changers act to reshape institutional structures and societal values to drive change, (3) enablers provide critical supports; and (4) transformers challenge regimes through new ideas and solutions. We contend that individuals, organisations and coalitions can fulfil each and even multiple roles depending on actual and perceived agency and that coordinated, multi-actor coalitions across diverse knowledge systems can accelerate nature-positive futures.