Between 30 June and 2 July 2026, the SELINA partners gathered in Galway, Ireland, for the project's 7th Workshop, hosted by the Cohab Initiative and the Capitals Coalition. The event was held under hybrid conditions, bringing together over 50 project partners, stakeholders and invited experts in person, and around 10 online, for three days of collaboration, knowledge exchange and discussions on strengthening evidence-based decision-making in the private sector.
The theme of the workshop, "Evidence-based decision-making in the private sector," focused on advancing the application of ecosystem services and natural capital approaches in business and industry. Building on the outcomes of previous workshops, participants shared progress across the project's activities, exchanged experiences from the Demonstration Projects, and explored practical pathways for translating scientific knowledge into decision-making processes that support sustainable business practices.
The first day opened with an overview of the project's progress and upcoming milestones, followed by thematic sessions dedicated to applying ecosystem services in private sector decision-making and sharing lessons learned from the Demonstration Projects. Notably, Session 2 – "Applying Ecosystem Services in Practice: Private Sector Decision-Making and Lessons from the Demonstration Projects" was part of EU Green Week 2026, highlighting SELINA's contribution to promoting practical, policy-relevant approaches that strengthen the integration of biodiversity and ecosystem services into business decisions. Throughout the day, participants also explored methodological developments, stakeholder engagement, and opportunities to increase the uptake of ecosystem service knowledge across different sectors.
The second day combined field exploration and collaborative discussions. Participants visited the Ballydangan Bog Complex conservation project, gaining first-hand insights into ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and the practical management of peatland ecosystems. The visit demonstrated how scientific evidence, local expertise and nature-based solutions can support sustainable land management while providing valuable examples of ecosystem service assessment in practice. The day concluded with the project dinner, where participants were honoured by a visit from Helen Ogbu, Mayor of Galway, who delivered an inspiring address recognising the importance of collaboration, environmental stewardship and the role of projects such as SELINA in supporting a more sustainable future.
The final day focused on recent achievements across the project, with partners presenting progress in ecosystem service assessment, methodological development and the practical application of SELINA's tools across Europe. Discussions reflected on the outcomes of the workshop, strengthened collaboration between partners, and identified priorities for the next phase of the project.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony celebrating three days of productive discussions, collaboration and shared learning. As partners reflected on the progress achieved in Galway, attention turned towards the next milestone for the consortium. The 8th SELINA Workshop will take place between 28 September and 2 October 2026 in Riga, Latvia, where participants will continue advancing the project's objectives and strengthening collaboration as SELINA moves towards its final stages.
For more information on the SELINA project, visit www.project-selina.eu.