In 1995, Arno Todt founded the nova-Institute for Ecology and Innovation, where he continues to lead the Department for Biodiversity and Sustainable Regional Development.

Arno brings extensive expertise in sustainable rural regional development and its connection to agrobiodiversity. His work includes significant contributions to rural development initiatives under the European LEADER program. From 2014 to 2021, he served as head of the German office for the UN Decade on Biological Diversity, and since 2022, he has led the German office for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

His recent projects include “Valorisation of Old Varieties and Old Breeds – Success Stories and Success Factors (AgroBioNet)” and the regional development study “Recultivation of the Historical Binkel Grain in the Alps: Recommendations for Valorisation and Marketing.”

Arno also has substantial experience realizing expert forums in cooperation with the Federal Agency for Agriculture and Food (BLE), focusing on the interplay between traditional crop varieties, climate change adaptation, and regional values.