UNEP-WCMC welcomes the launch of Oppla, which aims to simplify how knowledge on ecosystem services and natural capital is obtained, shared and created. Oppla is a resource hub where people from a wide range of disciplines can access information and products such as tools, data, case studies, lessons learned and training programmes and enables this academic information to be implemented practically in support of sustainable ecosystem management.

UNEP-WCMC has taken a leading role in Operational Potential of Ecosystem Research Applications (OPERAs) - one of two projects which underpin Oppla and which helps to put cutting edge ecosystem science into practice. Over 60 universities, research institutes, agencies and enterprises are contributing to Oppla, which is funded by the European Commission FP7 Programme for Research and Technical Development.

Oppla was launched  on Tuesday 20th September as part of the Ecosystem Services Conference in Antwerp, Belgium. Dr Claire Brown, Senior Programme Officer in the UNEP-WCMC Ecosystem Assessment Programme was present for what was the biggest European event in 2016 that links science, policy and practice on ecosystem services and natural capital: “We’re proud to have played such a high profile role in the planning and design in Oppla – a great opportunity to collaborate with scientists, researchers and practitioners from across Europe. The Oppla community is already around 1000 members strong, which shows how this tool has unique potential to help users to collaborate, innovate and communicate.”