The Annual Group Meeting in Barcelona offered more than presentations and field visits — it was also a hub for hands-on collaboration and knowledge creation. RestPoll members and students actively engaged in interactive sessions that produced new insights for pollinator restoration across Europe.
Hands-on workshop: mapping Theories of Change
A standout moment was a hands-on workshop where members explored different restoration measures aimed at reversing pollinator declines. Using colorful post-its, participants collaboratively mapped out:
- Possible ecological outcomes of each measure
- Barriers that could impede implementation
- Synergies and connections between different actions
These visual “pathways” help illustrate how specific interventions can lead to measurable positive impacts on pollinator populations. Beyond the exercise itself, the insights generated will directly inform RestPoll’s upcoming policy brief, ensuring that scientific evidence translates into actionable guidance for policymakers and practitioners.
Poster session: student contributions
Students also took a central role in these interactive moments. During a mini poster session, master’s and PhD students shared their ongoing research projects with the consortium. Receiving feedback from experienced members, they contributed fresh perspectives on practical challenges and innovative solutions for pollinator restoration. This session highlighted the importance of student involvement, showcasing how early-career researchers help shape the next phase of the project.
Bridging science and practice
Overall, these interactive moments emphasized collaboration, creativity, and applied learning. By connecting theoretical frameworks with hands-on exercises and student research, the AGM fostered actionable insights that will directly support future restoration efforts, strengthen Living Labs, and inform policy development across Europe.
