News & Events
BIOTRAILS at the 5th European Conference of the Ecosystem Services Partnership
Earlier in June, BIOTRAILS took part in two major events organised by the Transformative Change for Biodiversity Cluster, an initiative bringing together different projects focused on driving systemic change for biodiversity.
On the 3rd of June 2025, over 300 researchers, policymakers, and project leaders gathered to explore how science can trigger transformative change for biodiversity and sustainability. Hosted across several sessions, the event emphasised justice, collaboration, and innovation as key levers for transformative change.
During the meeting, the key issues discussed were:
Justice at the Core: Justice was highlighted not only as a goal but as a pathway to achieving biodiversity outcomes. Projects explored procedural, distributional, and recognitional justice, with new frameworks like AJUST helping to integrate diverse perspectives into scenario modelling.
Knowledge Gaps and Policy Impact: Surveys and interactive sessions revealed persistent gaps in economic system transformation, governance, and long-term funding. Participants stressed the need for better integration of science and policy, and for more inclusive, long-term knowledge exchange networks.
Leveraging Networks: The meetings showcased the power of clustering projects to build lasting collaborations. Initiatives like BioAgora are developing platforms to support science-policy dialogues and capacity building beyond project lifespans.
Sectoral and Spatial Planning: Spatial planning emerged as a double-edged sword, capable of both enabling and hindering biodiversity goals. Calls were made for more inclusive, cross-sectoral planning and for aligning EU policies with global biodiversity targets.
Trade, Finance, and Footprints: Sessions on supply chains and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) highlighted both progress and challenges. While tools like traceability systems and certifications are advancing, concerns remain about equity, coherence, and unintended spillovers.
The meetings concluded with a strong call to action: to move beyond mitigation and towards enhancing biodiversity through systemic, just, and inclusive change. A revised policy brief, incorporating insights from the event, is expected in July.
In Brussels: Spotlight on Biodiversity in Policy-Making
Between the 4th and 5th of June, BIOTRAILS also participated in the “Mainstreaming Biodiversity in Policy Making” Conference held in Brussels. Organised by several research projects participating in the Cluster for Transformative Change for Biodiversity the event brought together researchers, institutional actors, and civil society representatives to explore how biodiversity can be better integrated into EU policy frameworks. During the conference, Raffaele Giordano, BIOTRAILS Coordinator, shared key results from BIOTRAILS’ ongoing case studies and outlined how the project is supporting evidence-based, participatory approaches to decision-making.