Prague hosted the 6th European Conference of the Ecosystem Services Partnership

From 18–22 May 2026, more than 650 researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students gathered in Prague for the 6th European Conference of the Ecosystem Services Partnership 🔗 (ESP Europe 2026), hosted by the Global Change Research Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences (CzechGlobe 🔗) in collaboration with the Ecosystem Services Partnership (ESP) and partner institutions.

ESP is a worldwide network connecting more than 3000 ecosystem services scientists, policymakers, and practitioners who collaborate through over 40 working groups and a growing number of National Networks across all continents. ESP regularly organizes World and Regional Conferences and provides numerous services to advance the application of ecosystem services for nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable management.

Under the theme “Advancing ecosystem services knowledge for achieving a nature- and people-positive Europe”, the conference explored how ecosystem services can contribute to addressing some of Europe’s most pressing challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, social inequalities, and the implementation of ambitious environmental policies such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Nature Restoration Regulation.

The conference programme brought together a diverse range of perspectives from science, policy, practice, and business. Participants engaged in discussions across six thematic streams covering governance, ecosystem services knowledge, climate and nature-based solutions, economics, accounting and global impacts, and equity and justice. More than 750 abstracts were submitted, reflecting the growing relevance of ecosystem services research and practice across Europe and beyond.

The conference began with a series of training courses held in the Karolinum, the historic seat of Charles University, focusing on ecosystem services implementation, ecosystem accounting, mapping, and scientific publishing. The conference officially opened in the Aula Magna of Charles University, where participants were welcomed by representatives of the host institutions, the Czech Ministry of the Environment, and ESP. The opening ceremony, accompanied by medieval music performed by Elthin, highlighted both the long tradition of environmental scholarship in Europe and the importance of international cooperation in addressing today’s environmental challenges.

The main conference programme took place at the Cubex Centre Prague, an award-winning venue inspired by Czech cubist architecture and recognized for its advanced sustainability features. Certified LEED Platinum, the venue uses 100% renewable energy, applies rainwater flushing systems, and utilizes intelligent building management technologies.

Throughout the week, keynote lectures and plenary discussions reflected on the past, present, and future of ecosystem services. Speakers explored lessons learned from two decades of ecosystem services research, emerging perspectives on relational values of nature, ecosystem restoration, and the role of ecosystem services knowledge in supporting a nature- and people-positive future. Particular attention was given to Central and Eastern European perspectives and to strengthening links between scientific knowledge and policy implementation.

The conference also provided numerous opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of practical experiences. Workshops, special sessions, exhibitions, poster presentations, and social events created a vibrant environment for building new partnerships and strengthening existing ones. Participants discussed innovative methods, policy applications, ecosystem accounting, biodiversity monitoring, nature-based solutions, and approaches for integrating ecosystem services into decision-making at multiple scales.

Special sessions organized by CzechGlobe included “Ecosystem Services Assessments in LIFE Projects: Outcomes, Approaches, and Lessons Learned”, focusing on experiences from projects funded by the EU LIFE Programme. The conference itself was co-funded by the Integrated LIFE Project One Nature. Another session, “Are We There Yet? Enhancing Implementation of the Ecosystem Services Framework with Science–Policy–Practice Interfaces and National Networks”, provided an overview of ecosystem services science-policy processes in different countries and reflected on the level of implementation, featuring invited guests from the Czech National Platform for Ecosystem Services.

A special highlight of the programme was the Ecosystem Services Cinema, featuring the documentary “The Values of Nature”, which was screened before the conference dinner. Participants also enjoyed a rich social programme, including a performance by the traditional folklore ensemble Mateník and the accompanying band Kyčera. As part of the programme, excursions introduced participants to a range of inspiring locations and activities, including the rewilding reserve in Milovice managed by Czech Landscape, the Prague Pasture, the Prague Rock Climbing Experience, and the Pragulic social tourism initiative.

The success of ESP Europe 2026 would not have been possible without the contributions of hundreds of participants, presenters, session organisers, volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners. Their enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated the strength and diversity of the ecosystem services community. This spirit was also reflected in the ESP General Assembly, where members supported the next stage in the evolution of the partnership and its activities.

As Europe enters a critical decade for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate adaptation, the discussions in Prague reaffirmed the importance of ecosystem services knowledge in supporting a nature- and people-positive future.