BESIDE researchers Dionisia Laranjeiro and Mariana Almeida participated in the 6th ESP Europe Conference, held in Prague, contributing to discussions on ecosystem restoration, integrated ecosystem assessments, and innovative approaches to support sustainable environmental management across Europe.
The ESP Europe Conference is one of the leading international events dedicated to ecosystem services, bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and advance solutions for nature and people.
Dionisia Laranjeiro contributed to the session “Restoration with Nature and People: A Living Lab Approach”, organised within the framework of the A-AAGORA project.Her presentation focused on the implementation of Living Labs and the engagement of stakeholders throughout co-creation, development, and evaluation processes. The discussion highlighted the potential of participatory approaches to connect science, policy, and local communities while addressing challenges such as governance constraints, limited institutional capacity, and short-term funding. A key message was the importance of fostering trust, collaboration, and shared ownership in ecosystem restoration initiatives.
Mariana Almeida co-hosted Session T1, “Harnessing Integrated Ecosystem Assessments and Transdisciplinary Tools for a Nature- and People-Positive Europe.” The session brought together researchers and practitioners working on ecosystem assessments, ecosystem services, biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions, artificial intelligence, and digital decision-support tools. Discussions highlighted how integrated assessment frameworks and innovative technologies can strengthen the science–policy interface and support evidence-based environmental planning and management.
The participation of BESIDE at ESP Europe 2026 reflects its commitment to advancing research that connects science, policy, and society. Through contributions focused on stakeholder engagement, ecosystem restoration, integrated assessments, and innovative decision-support tools, BESIDE continues to support the development of solutions that promote both environmental sustainability and societal well-being.
By actively engaging in international scientific networks and collaborative initiatives, BESIDE reinforces its role in contributing to a nature- and people-positive future.
