Conference was held in Antwerp, Belgium, September 19-22, 2016 and the theme “Helping nature to help us” focused on the important role that healthy ecosystems play in supporting human well-being and the protection of nature. This conference was the biggest European event in 2016 that linked science, policy and practice on ecosystem services and natural capital with over 600 participants.

Special session named “LIFE programme supporting societal benefits by restoring and improving ecosystem services – best practices” related to projects/processes was held on September 20 and  project expert from Baltic Environmental Forum-Latvia Anda Ruskule held the presentation “Integrated planning tool to ensure viability of grasslands” and presented LIFE Viva Grass project.

On September 22 session “Solving practical bottlenecks in ecosystem service mapping” was held and A. Ruskule held the presentation “Grassland ecosystem service mapping at local and regional level: experience of the LIFE Viva Grass project” (abstract text).