Special events

• Urban InVEST software training 

The Natural Capital Project is expanding the free and open-source Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) software with a suite of urban ecosystem service models. These models map measure and value the benefits of incorporating nature into urban design as we strive for sustainable and livable cities. In this training session, They introduced the new urban models. They  explained what Urban InVEST can be used for and trained attendees the basics for using it. They presented the available models and explained one model in detail, and discussed how they can further improve models for urban ecosystem services.

Please view the training presentations here.

• EBIND - The contribution of ES science to policy: are we addressing the right questions?, M. Perez-Soba, L. Braat, T. van der Sluis 

It seems that there is a disconnect between the scientific world and policy makers: the research often does not reach policy, nor do decision makers directly interact with researchers. Three presentations set the scene on how we, ecosystem services scientists, can make our research more policy relevant. The presentations were half an hour, and were followed by a moderated discussion with the participants based on some challenging statements. Marta Pérez-Soba (Senior Policy Officer at the Joint Research Centre JRC, ISPRA), Leon Braat (Co-Editorin-Chief of Ecosystem Services), and Theo van der Sluis (E-BIND project) reflected on the role of Ecosystem Services for policy, vice-versa. This session was organised in the framework of the ‘Evidence-Based Improvement of the Nature Directives’ Project E-BIND.

Please view the training presentations here.