Working group Ecosystem services

The Working Group on Ecosystem Services, chaired by Jan Verheeke, plays a pivotal role in addressing key environmental policy issues encountered by advisory councils across Europe at both national and regional levels. Our primary aim is to facilitate the exchange of valuable experiences and expertise within our network of council members and staff from various councils. 

Our efforts extend to advocating for sustainable objectives and supportive policies, inviting stakeholders to participate in webinars, building capacity within our network, and, significantly, sharing knowledge on environmental and ecological topics. 

Our activities revolve around discussing soil and water policies, with a particular focus on the future of the European Green Deal and the proposed Nature Restoration Law. Additionally, the Working Group's major achievements include successful projects on food system services and the water directive framework. 

To promote knowledge exchange, we host online sessions several times a year, fostering dialogue and collaboration among members. 

These initiatives underscore our dedication to fostering constructive engagement with policymakers and stakeholders. Through active participation in policy formulation and facilitating dialogue on critical environmental issues, we strive to contribute to informed decision-making processes and promote consensus-building among governmental and non-governmental actors.