Members of the Pandoteira project team, from the Open University of Cyprus, participated in the Final International Conference of the One Nature Project (LIFE IP: N2K Revisited). The conference took place on April 22 – 23, 2026, in Prague and it brought together experts and participants from LIFE projects across Europe for an inspiring exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices.
The conference provided a collaborative platform for participants to explore environmental and sustainability initiatives, showcase innovative solutions, and share lessons learned from ongoing and completed projects.
The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) team had the opportunity to present both an overview of the Pandoteira project, as well as the structure, methodology, and progress of the work related to the Mapping of Ecosystem Services in Natura 2000 areas in Cyprus. The presentation highlighted the importance of ecosystem service assessment as a decision-support tool for sustainable environmental management and policy development. It also served as a valuable platform for constructive dialogue and knowledge exchange, allowing the team to benchmark its approach against other European initiatives and identify opportunities for methodological improvement.
During the meeting, the Pandoteira project representatives engaged in discussions with partners from other LIFE Integrated Projects, exploring common challenges, opportunities, and outcomes related to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, stakeholder participation, and the implementation of European environmental policies. Particular emphasis was placed on the practical application of ecosystem service mapping and valuation in protected areas, as well as on approaches for integrating scientific knowledge into policy and management frameworks.
A key benefit of participation was the direct feedback received from leading experts in ecosystem services and environmental assessment. The discussions proved especially valuable in refining the project’s methodological approach, particularly regarding the integration of monetary valuation into ecosystem service assessments. The insights and recommendations provided are expected to further strengthen the scientific robustness, policy relevance, and practical applicability of the ongoing work.
Another important outcome of participation in the conference was the opportunity to strengthen professional networks and foster potential future collaborations in the fields of habitat management, biodiversity monitoring, and wildlife conservation. Discussions with researchers and practitioners from different countries and disciplines opened new perspectives for joint research activities, exchange of expertise, and future participation in European funding and cooperation initiatives. The interaction among participants created a strong foundation for building long-term synergies around shared environmental objectives and innovative conservation practices.
Follow this link to find out more about the Pandoteira project.
