The Mission-driven Investment Planning for Regeneration Bootcamp is part of NetworkNature's European capacity-building strategy, supported by the European Commission, to accelerate the implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and regenerative infrastructure across Europe. Building on previous editions in Milan and Bari, the programme addresses one of the main barriers to the transition towards regenerative economies: the persistent gap between policy ambition and the preparation of investable, implementation-ready projects. The bootcamp series is led by ALTAMIRA Regenerative Finance, a NetworkNature consortium partner, and delivered in collaboration with regional host institutions and other consortium partners across Europe.
Hosted by TU Dortmund University's Chair of Landscape Planning, this edition builds on the Ruhr Region's internationally recognised experience in post-industrial transformation, river restoration, and landscape regeneration. Participants will explore how mature metropolitan regions can simultaneously advance ecological restoration, climate resilience, economic renewal, and social inclusion through integrated investment planning and regenerative infrastructure.
Rather than a traditional training course, the bootcamp is an intensive three-day working programme in which participants collaboratively develop strategies and conceptual investment pipelines for regenerative territorial development. Through facilitated group exercises, expert dialogues and peer learning, participants move from understanding complex system dynamics to identifying transformational investment opportunities and designing pathways towards implementation. The programme combines systems thinking, regenerative planning, institutional economics and infrastructure finance into a practical methodology for developing place-based investment strategies.
The programme is structured around three integrated modules:
- Understanding – analysing regional system dynamics and identifying leverage points through systems thinking and Group Model Building.
- Planning – co-creating long-term regenerative visions and identifying transformational investment opportunities.
- Financing – translating strategic priorities into conceptual investment portfolios and business cases using the Financing Framework for Water Security methodology and principles of mission-driven investment planning.
The bootcamp brings together approximately 25 participants from local and regional governments, infrastructure operators, utilities, financial institutions, project developers, academia, civil society and the private sector. A deliberate balance of disciplines—including planners, engineers, ecologists, economists, procurement specialists and finance professionals—creates a collaborative environment that mirrors real-world investment decision-making.
Who should apply?
We particularly encourage applications from professionals in local and regional governments, utilities, the private sector, academia, civil society, and financial institutions who are involved in:
- urban, regional and landscape planning;
- infrastructure planning and delivery;
- water, climate adaptation and Nature-based Solutions;
- public procurement and infrastructure finance;
- project development and implementation;
- utilities and public service provision;
- investment planning and impact investing.
Participation is by selection. Applicants will be assessed based on their motivation, their potential to apply the learning in practice, and the contribution they can make to a diverse interdisciplinary cohort.
Applications are now open through the Expression of Interest form.
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