Brussels
There’s a great need in European projects on ecosystem services and nature-based solutions for sharing good practice, working examples and quantifiable evidence. With the concept of nature-based solutions gaining increasing attention from policy, practice and research there’s a growing demand for interdisciplinary approaches and stakeholder engagement. This will support co-creation of solutions to offer multiple benefits to society. Rather than developing networking and knowledge-sharing platforms for each topic separately it is important to join forces and use existing platforms. Oppla is a key platform in this respect, as was recognized by the European Commission during a Horizon 2020 brokerage event on 8 December.
During the event, focusing on the Horizon 2020 calls for demonstration projects related to nature-based solutions and cultural heritage, Oppla was recognized as a well-functioning, readily available platform for consortia responding to current calls to build on or integrate in their plans. Indeed, with its marketplace, case study finder, online community and helpdesk service, Oppla is ready to serve as a European repository and forum for multiple stakeholders in their endeavour for co-developing and operationalizing nature-based solutions.
The event, organized by the European Commission Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, brought together nearly 200 participants and offered a great opportunity for networking and matchmaking. Oppla participated with a prominent stand which attracted many interested participants.