On the initiative of SELINA together with the ongoing projects BioMoD and ValuGaps and the Innovation Network Ecosystem Services Germany ESP-DE, the first workshop on "Transformation through cooperation: What makes knowledge transfer from ecosystem services, natural capital and biodiversity research a success?" took place at Leibniz Universität Hannover from 30 January to 31 January 2024.

Bringing together nearly 30 participants from diverse backgrounds including science, policy, non-governmental organisations, and businesses, the workshop aimed to streamline efforts and foster collaboration in utilising outcomes from ecosystem services and biodiversity research in Germany. Attendees discussed strategies for better coordination, identified opportunities for synergy, and laid the groundwork for establishing the SELINA Community of Practice in this domain in Germany.

Representatives from SELINA included Benjamin Burkhard, Sabine Lange, Joana Seguin, Emily Bank, and Angie Faust (LUH), alongside Inge Liekens from VITO. Their contributions enriched discussions and offered valuable insights into the advancement of knowledge transfer initiatives.

This workshop marks the beginning of a concerted effort to harness the potential of ecosystem services and biodiversity research, with plans for regular meetings of the network in the future.