5-9 February Baltic Environmental Forum (BEF) team participated in the 3rd thematic SELINA project workshop that took place in Leiden, the Netherlands, engaging nearly 90 participants from all over Europe. The three intensive and interactive workshop days were dedicated to uptake of the ecosystem service assessment results in private and public decision-making. 

BEF was actively presenting and sharing the Latvian demonstration project on using ecosystem service assessment information in maritime spatial planning and coastal development planning. Ecosystem service information has been and is still used to assess the multiple benefits  supplied by the ecosystem to people, such as fish landings and recreation. Potential sea-use, e.g. aquaculture, was also discussed.

During the discussions, we recognized the methodological challenges in marine ecosystem service assessment that arise from to the dynamic character of marine ecosystem, as well as the presence of many mobile species. Moreover, field data collection is expensive, but possibilities for using remote sensing or satellite data are limited for providing salient information for marine ecosystem service assessment. 

One of the most memorable events during the workshop was the inspiring field trip to the Dutch water organisation “Dunea” where participants learned about their well-considered strategic vision and management practices in supplying drinking water by using nature-based solutions and implementing nature conservation measures for fauna and flora of the vulnerable dune ecosystem.

The atmosphere was creative, interactive and friendly from the very beginning to the end of the workshop. Baltic Environmental Forum sends a big thanks to the hosting organisation Capitals Coalition for arranging such a valuable and successful event!

Learn more about SELINA: https://www.project-selina.eu/