Between 12 and 15 May 2025, the SELINA partners gathered for the project’s 5th workshop in Ponta Delgada, Azores, hosted by the University of the Azores. With around 80 participants attending in person and an additional 10 joining online, this marked the first in-person SELINA meeting in 11 months — a long-awaited opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and move forward together.

The theme of the workshop was “Integration”, emphasising the importance of aligning efforts across work packages, partners, and thematic areas. Across four productive days, all participants shared updates on progress made over the past year, setting the stage for deeper collaboration.

In addition to presentations, attendees took part in hands-on sessions focused on two of SELINA’s core tools: the Communities of Practice (CoP) and the Compendium of Guidance (CoG), both designed to support evidence-based decision-making on biodiversity and ecosystem services. A key milestone shared during the workshop was the launch of a dedicated CoP section on the SELINA website, which provides an accessible hub for resources, updates, and engagement across the growing network of CoPs. The workshop also provided space to spotlight the Early Career Research Network (ECRN) and fostered collaboration through interactive working sessions that promoted active dialogue and meaningful knowledge exchange.

The workshop provided the opportunity to explore some of the unique cultural and ecological landscapes of the Azores. Participants visited a local pineapple plantation, an iconic symbol of Azorean agriculture, and toured a historic tea factory, gaining insights into sustainable local production.

The 5th SELINA Workshop was not only a platform to reflect on the achievements of the past year but also a renewed sense of direction and momentum for the months ahead. As SELINA enters the second half of the project, the spirit of integration across disciplines, sectors, and regions remains a guiding principle.

Looking ahead, the 6th SELINA Workshop will take place in October 2025 in Trento, Italy. The upcoming months will provide time to apply the insights gained so far, ensuring that the dedicated meeting days in Trento are used effectively to continue building on the progress made in the Azores.