eLTER ambassadors attend the World Conference on Ecological Restoration in the USA

Two eLTER ambassadors, Katalin Török (HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research, Hungary) and Bruna Paolinelli Reis (University of Lisbon, Portugal), represented the Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research Infrastructure (eLTER RI) at the 11th World Conference on Ecological Restoration (SER2025) held in Denver, United States. 

Their mission: to highlight the strong potential links between eLTER’s activities and ecological restoration, and to present the evolving concept of a European Topic Centre on Ecological Restoration within the eLTER RI. Both delivered presentations from complementary perspectives in different thematic sessions.

Intergenerational partnerships and the role of restoration in eLTER

In her talk, Bruna Reis explored how ecological restoration activities at eLTER sites can support EU and global restoration policies and practices. She placed particular emphasis on the potential for intergenerational partnerships, arguing that meaningful and long-term restoration work requires the transfer of knowledge across generations.

Key messages included:

  • Restoration at eLTER sites can directly support the EU Nature Restoration Regulation

  • The eLTER RI plays a pivotal role in bridging science, practice, and policy

  • Intergenerational partnerships are essential for ensuring long-term knowledge transfer

Bruna Paolinelli Reis, Forest Engineer at Universidade de Lisboa, presenting at SER2025

eLTER’s contribution to global restoration commitments

Katalin Török discussed how restoration research conducted across the diverse network of eLTER sites can contribute to meeting global restoration commitments. Referring to findings from her 2024 publication ‘The added value of the long-term ecological research network to upscale restoration in Europe’, she highlighted the unique strengths of eLTER, including:

  • Long-term, site-based ecological data

  • Deep knowledge of ecosystem functioning

  • Access to diverse scientific expertise across research Sites and socio-ecological Platforms

  • Long-term environmental observation and standardized methodologies

  • Reference ecosystems and rich background datasets (e.g., meteorological data)

  • Supporting infrastructure for research and fieldwork

  • A holistic Whole System Approach to ecosystem research

“Nature restoration is a lever to mitigate global crises,” Katalin emphasized.

Katalin Török and György Kröel-Dulay discussing the results of a 10 year old re-seeding restoration trial at the KisKun eLTER site, Hungary.

Strong interest from the international restoration community

Both sessions attracted solid participation, with around 30–40 attendees each—and more than half of them already aware of the eLTER RI. This reflects the growing visibility of eLTER within the global restoration community. Reflecting on the event, Bruna Reis shared: “It was an incredible opportunity to learn from others’ experiences, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections with restoration practitioners from around the world.”

SER2027

The next SER International Conference (SER2027) will take place in Lisbon, Portugal. The event will focus on an ecoscaping approach to restoration under the theme: “From Land to Sea, Knowledge to Action.” 

Participants can already get a glimpse of what awaits through the conference’s promotional video.


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