Finished: Webinar series

14/05/2025

2 minutes

The EXPBIO project hosted a six-part webinar series from January to March 2025, focusing on the development and application of regional seed mixes to enhance biodiversity and support ecosystem restoration in the North Sea Region. Each session featured experts sharing insights on native seed production, genetic diversity, and practical restoration techniques.

Watch all six webinars here

Webinar Sessions Overview:

January 16, 2025 – Jojanneke Bijkerk, Cruydt-Hoeck, Netherlands
Discussed the importance of producing locally sourced seeds and plants to restore biodiversity in gardens, public spaces, and landscapes in the Netherlands and Flanders.
January 30, 2025 – Tom Junge, Immerbunt GmbH, Germany
Highlighted nationwide sustainability projects aimed at fostering biodiversity and creating thriving ecosystems through the collaboration of business, society, and agriculture.
February 13, 2025 – Walter Bleeker, Saaten Zeller, Germany
Explored the propagation of 142 wild plant species across Germany, emphasizing the production of certified regional seeds for various habitats and applications.
February 27, 2025 – Cloé Lucas, Pratensis AB, Sweden
Shared insights into sustainable seed collection and reproduction practices in Sweden, focusing on maintaining genetic suitability to preserve native flora.
March 13, 2025 – Walter Durka et al., Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Germany
Presented findings from the RegioDiv project, assessing the genetic variation of grassland plant species across Germany to inform seed transfer zones and restoration practices.
March 27, 2025 – Malte Conrady, University of Münster, Germany
Discussed the challenges of upscaling native seed production for ecosystem restoration, addressing potential genetic changes during agricultural propagation and methods to minimize such changes.

Series Highlights:

Production Techniques: Best practices for creating high-quality seed mixes tailored to regional conditions.
Genetic Diversity: Ensuring resilience through varied and native seed stocks, with considerations for intraspecific genetic variation.
Practical Applications: Strategies for effectively using seed mixes to restore local ecosystems, including considerations for different habitats and species.

This series fostered collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, offering valuable insights and practical tools to support biodiversity restoration across the North Sea Region.