On 5 December 2025, the online scientific conference Enhancing Biodiversity and Interconnectivity through Ecological Restoration took place. Around 125 participants from all over Europe joined the event. Researchers, public administrators and nature conservation policymakers gathered to share scientific knowledge and practical experience of ecological restoration. Particular focus was given to efforts to enhance the connectivity of Natura 2000 habitats and support species migration along the European Green Belt. Additionally, national approaches to the current implementation of the Nature Restoration Law were presented by representatives of the responsible institutions.
The conference was organised as part of the ReCo Project (Restoring Degraded Ecosystems along the Green Belt to Improve and Enhance Biodiversity and Ecological Connectivity) and was co-organised by the Biodiversity Dynamics and Conservation Group at the University of Vienna, the Landscape Research Institute (VUKOZ), the Slovenian National Institute of Biology, the Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of Szczecin, and the University of Maribor.
Find here the agenda and here the book of abstracts of the event.
Recording of the conference:
- You can access the event recording here; to view the video, use the password: P@eLd%m7
We explored:
- Strategies that foster ecological connectivity, habitat restoration and migration enhancement
- Approaches to climate change mitigation and enhancing ecosystem resilience
- Restoration methods that safeguard ecosystem service provision
- Policy implementation, National strategies following the EU Nature Restoration Law.
Scientific Committee:
- Jakub Skorupski, PhD, Eng. (Chair) – Green Federation “GAIA” & University of Szczecin & Polish Society for Conservation Genetics LUTREOLA
- Hana Skokanová, PhD – Silva Tarouca Research Institute for Landscape and Ornamental Gardening, public research organisation
- Thomas Wrbka, Ass.Prof., PhD – University of Vienna
- Dariusz Wysocki, Ass.Prof., PhD – University of Szczecin
- Francesca Visintin, PhD – L’associazione Rete Italiana European Green Belt APS
- Monika Myśliwy, Ass. Prof., PhD – University of Szczecin
- Danijel Ivajnšič, PhD – University of Maribor
The Scientific Committee was responsible for overseeing the peer-review process for the conference to ensure consistency in the scientific quality of the presentations.