Last week, the GES4SEAS project held its 3nd annual meeting, hosted by ICM-CSIC partners in Barcelona. The gathering was not only a testament to the great venue and hospitality provided by ICM-CSIC but also a crucial moment for the project’s progression, including the developments of the toolbox and feedback from the Practitioners Advisory Board (PAB) on key tasks and deliverables.

The agenda centred on reviewing the accomplishments of the second 18 months and strategizing for the upcoming 36-month reporting. Key updates from various Work Packages (WPs) were discussed, with a strong emphasis on collaborative sessions that stimulated brainstorming and collective strategizing among partners.

A major focus of the meeting was extensive practical sessions on different tasks, from gender balance to synthesis framework and topping points, as well as different tools developed by the project. Also, one full day was dedicated on practical work on the toolbox, preparing the progress of testing and validation work to be done later this year, as well as preparing the guidelines for the toolbox. A session dedicated to the PAB was also performed to showcase how the toolbox works.

As GES4SEAS moves into its fourth year, the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by our partners promises further advancements in delivering the expected outputs, such as practical tools to help practitioners in marine ecosystem management and conservation.