Biodiversity loss and the human degradation of nature dominate discussions of biodiversity change in the anthropocene. However, long-term studies underline the diversity of relationships between humans and biodiversity, including trends of biodiversity gains throughout much of the Holocene. In this session, we explore examples of positive human – biodiversity relationships, across a range of temporal and spatial scales, in an effort to counteract the overwhelming negativity than can paralyse action.We aim to help reshape more positive narratives of biodiversity change and inform creative land management decisions. How and where do we see examples of the codevelopment and mutual benefit of humans and biodiversity? We welcome both site-specific studies and also broader-scale (regional, continental, global) syntheses. Some relevant examples include forest gardens in North America, the development of European wood-pasture systems, and the management of fire in Australia and Africa.