6th ESP Europe Conference​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Advancing ecosystem services knowledge for achieving a nature and people positive Europe

18-22 May 2026 | Prague, Czechia

In an era of complex turning points, including biodiversity declines, climate uncertainty, political transitions, and socio-economic inequalities, ecosystem services can contribute to achieving a nature-positive future balanced with human well-being and equity across Europe. From urban green spaces mitigating heat waves to natural protected areas, integrating ecosystem services into governance, policy, and practice has never been more critical for ensuring dignified and sustainable ways of living while respecting nature and healthy ecosystems.

As Europe navigates its green transition, the role of ecosystem services in supporting equity, justice, and economic sustainability becomes paramount. The EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, and new policy frameworks such as Nature Restoration Law provide strong policy support, but how can they be translated into inclusive, just, and effective action? At the same time, Europe is embedded in a web of physical, economic, informational, and social global teleconnections. What type of knowledge can the ecosystem services community develop to analyse and assist in achieving a nature- and people-positive Europe?

This conference brought together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to explore how ecosystem services can be harnessed to reduce social inequalities, strengthen climate resilience, and drive sustainable development. In light of ongoing implementation of new policies at national and EU levels, discussions also examined how shifts in governance frameworks influence the integration of ecosystem services into decision-making, policy implementation, and cross-sectoral collaboration.

Conference streams were related, but not limited to the following challenges:

1. Navigating governance of ecosystem services in a changing political landscape

2. Ecosystem services knowledge for a people- and nature-positive future

3. Climate and natural solutions for ecosystem restoration and resilience

4. Equity, justice, and inclusivity in ecosystem services

5. Economics of ecosystem services

6. Ecosystem accounting, interregional flows, and Europe’s global impact

We encouraged participation of young professionals, early-career researchers, representatives of EU projects (Horizon Europe, LIFE), and members of ESP national networks. At the same time, we warmly welcomed all individuals and organizations interested in ecosystem services, regardless of background or professional stage.

Announcements

Conference photos

All official conference pictures are available on ESP's Flickr page. Did you also take some photos during the sessions or the excursions? You can send them to us at conference@es-partnership.org.

Session presentations

Relive the inspiring discussions and explore the latest research shared at the conference! The presentation slides from our 75 conference sessions are now available online - check the session overview page to view the slides shared by our presenters.

If you presented at the conference and your slides are not yet available, please contact us so we can add them. If you prefer not to have your presentation slides publicly available, please let us know.

Join ESP!

Please subscribe to our ESP Update to remain informed regarding the conference developments. Learn more about ESP membership and register here.

📅 Important Dates

30 September 2025 — Call for sessions deadline

30 October 2025 — Call for abstracts opens

31 December 2025 — Deadline for abstract submissions

1 February 2026 — Registration opens

15 February 2026 — Abstract submitters receive decision

15 March 2026 — Early bird registration deadline

8 May 2026 — Regular fee registration deadline

Organised by

Funding partners

This conference was partially funded by the One Nature project (LIFE-IP:N2K: Revisited, LIFE17/IPE/CZ/000005), which was supported by the European Union's LIFE financial tool.

This conference was organized with the financial support of the City of Prague

Conference venue

Cubex Centre Prague

Na Strži 2097/63,

140 00 Prague 4

More info & directions

Welcome venue

Charles University - Karolinum

Ovocný trh 541/3

More info & directions