Bridging the gap between policy and knowledge on biodiversity in Europe

About

Eklipse was created in 2016 to help governments, institutions, businesses and NGOs make better-informed decisions when it comes to biodiversity in Europe. Eklipse has already answered requests on a vast range of topics, by synthesizing the best available knowledge from scientists and other knowledge holders.

15

Number of requests answered

262

Experts involved in answering requests

870

Participants in all activities organised by Eklipse

News

News_

Eklipse welcomes the new Expert Working Group (EWG) on nature-based Solutions and empowerment tools for coastal communities

As outcome of the Call for Expertise that was open in March & April 2023,  7 experts, coming from a broad range of expertise, gender and geographical  representation, were selected to join the EWG. They are now developing an important milestone: The Method protocol. This report will detail the two methods selected by the EWG members to answer the knowledge synthesis need below agreed between Eklipse and the EmpowerUs project as requester: “How community empowerment tools and nature-based solutions (NBS) can contribute to addressing coastal challenges and building resilient communities?”. In order to make sure that the EWG have all the methodological, topical and regional expertise, the members have decided to have a Targeted Open Call for Experts coming soon. Stay tuned !

News_

“State of knowledge regarding how we can improve adherence to the Mitigation Hierarchy, with a particular focus on the avoid stage.”

–New report out-

We are glad to release the final evidence report from the Eklipse Expert Working Group (EWG) working on the Mitigation Hierarchy. This report results from a request to Eklipse by the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB). Based on two approaches, systematic mapping and an Applied Policy Delphi, the EWG synthesised knowledge on how ecosystem services/natural capital as concepts foster the conservation and enhancement of Biodiversity within planning processes in sectors likely to directly impact Biodiversity. The report also provides information about EU-wide cases and practices that actively considered and addressed the aspect of ecosystem services in the Mitigation Hierarchy. As a final step, the EWG developed recommendations on best practices.

Eklipse podcast-

New episode out on “Evaluating the impact of Nature-based Solutions.”

Eklipse offers you the opportunity to explore its values and past requests by listening to enlightening conversations with experts, sharing their knowledge with us. If you want to know more about Eklipse added values or are interested in topics as Transformative change, Pollinator conservation, Restoration, Nature-Based Solutions, the Common Agricultural Policy, Impacts of green and blue spaces on mental health, pandemics and more, listen to our podcast episodes and learn more about the outputs and outcomes developed by our past Expert Working Groups.

We answered

their requests

We at Eklipse burn for biodiversity. Providing a solid science policy society interface is the needed step to conserve biodiversity and human wellbeing.

Ute JacobCo-chair of the Eklipse Knowledge Coordination Body

A key strength of Eklipse is the dense network of experts and knowledge holders across Europe that it connects with. When questions arise about biodiversity and ecosystems, Eklipse can access the best available knowledge quickly. We have a range of methods available to document that knowledge and feed it into decision-making.

Lynn DicksChair of the Methods Expert Group

Eklipse is a unique mechanism that proposes to provide the cutting-edge scientific knowledge needed to inform public policy and, beyond that, any societal demand. Contributing to this mechanism offers a particularly interesting challenge for an academic researcher due to the diversity of issues concerning the environment and biodiversity.

Philip RocheCo-chair of the Knowledge Coordination Body

I advise on methods of knowledge synthesis for the request, and provide support on their use. I am particularly enjoying the opportunity to contribute my experience of participatory processes, and my background in marine ecology, as well as working with motivated macroalgae experts.

Miriam GraceMember of the Methods Expert Group

We have built Eklipse around strong values of independence, transparency and inclusiveness.

Juliette YoungAlternet's Science Policy Officer, Eklipse's former coordinator

I decided to join this Expert Working Group because I believe it can have a strong impact on the development of the macroalgae cultivation in Europe, while contributing to enhance this activity as an important tool for climatechange mitigation and adaptation. Being somebody directly involved in the macroalgae cultivation for many years, I also appreciate the possibility to interact with experts from different areas and learn from their different perspectives on this subject.

Rui PereiraCo-chair of the Macroalgae cultivation Expert Working Group

At Eklipse, we have a unique, innovative process enabling us to synthesise the best available knowledge to support decision makers.

Marie VandewalleHead of Eklipse Management Body, Alternet's Science Policy Officer

Connecting knowledge and evidence from biodiversity research with policy is more important than ever in the current time of societal and environmental change. We at Eklipse make sure we use the best available methods and tools to make evidence available to those making complex decisions.

Nils BunnefeldMember of the Methods Expert Group

I find Eklipse's work quintessential in times when it is becoming a matter of life or death to protect biodiversity. We need policymakers to understand this, and if Eklipse can contribute to this, it is half a victory!

Agnes ZolyomiMember of the Knowledge Coordination Body

Eklipse is a robust mechanism to reach a synergy of science and policy-making. It's a reliable fusion of individual experiences and European countries' environmental policy achievements for tackling arising challenges.

Lyudmyla ZahvoyskaMember of the Methods Expert Group

Eklipse offers a great opportunity to work with leading experts from across the globe. The Eklipse Working Group on Algae and Ecosystem Services crosses geographical and institutional borders to deliver the latest insights into the potential of macro-algae.

Sander van der BurgCo-chair of the Macroalgae cultivation Expert Working Group

Eklipse functions in the crucial sphere between science and policy, enabling knowledge exchange about biodiversity and ecosystem services and turning it into action. It enables researchers to recognize knowledge needs outside academia and make knowledge that is already available useful.

Viola HakkaraineMember of the Methods Expert Group

It was my pleasure to have contributed to Eklipse in the past two years! I have worked on capacity-building events, on the development of the European Network of Networks for Science-Policy-Society Interfaces (SPSI) on Biodiversity, and on the communication of the Project. I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved together! I have been part of an amazing team that helped me to learn and grow a lot. I will now move on to work on my academic field of expertise, cetacean ecology and conservation. I am sure I will continue to be part of the Eklipse community, working with and along the mechanism, as I truly believe in its potential for meaningful contribution on smart decision-making for biodiversity and ecosystem services. Thank you, Eklipse!

Ana Mafalda CorreiaMember of the Eklipse Team

Eklipse supports the translation of scientific knowledge to evidence-based policy initiatives. This is of critical importance when seeking to address significant global issues such as biodiversity decline and climate change.

Laura WendlingMember of Methods Expert Group.

I see Eklipse as providing a much needed international meeting space at the interface of science and policy making; helping shape knowledge exchange and providing the tools to boldly tackle key environmental and social challenges.

Alister ScottMember of Methods Expert Group