The SYBERAC project recently held a workshop in Cantanhede, Portugal, addressing the effects of plant protection products (PPPs) on soil biodiversity and ecosystem function. Hosted by the University of Coimbra, this collaborative event brought together experts and stakeholders to explore the dynamics of soil invertebrate communities and their critical role in ecosystem services. This discussion aligns with SYBERAC’s broader mission of advancing systems-based ecological risk assessment (sb-ERA) to inform sustainable agricultural practices.

The SYBERAC webinar on 11 September 2024 launched a collaborative effort to advance environmental risk assessment (ERA) of chemicals. Experts from academia, regulatory bodies, industry, and NGOs shared insights on aligning ERA methodologies with biodiversity goals and the European Green Deal. Presentations from Wageningen University, Aarhus University, and the Swedish Chemicals Agency highlighted opportunities for innovative collaboration and collective progress.

On 16th July 2024, experts from UKCEH and RSPB convened at Hope Farm, Cambridgeshire, to discuss the impact of pesticides on non-target organisms. The workshop highlighted challenges in assessing pesticide effects due to incomplete data. A key outcome was the development of a strategy for a rapid, cost-effective evidence synthesis method to guide agricultural decisions, co-designed with stakeholders.

On 24 June 2024, IREC in Ciudad Real, Spain, hosted a workshop for SYBERAC Case Studies 1B and 2B, focusing on wildlife and amphibian risk assessments. Participants from farming, industry, government, and environmental organizations discussed stakeholder contributions and key biodiversity protection challenges linked to plant-protection products. The workshop established a local stakeholder forum and emphasized the need for collaborative solutions to enhance Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) and address sectoral conflicts.

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On 3 June 2024, RIVM hosted an online workshop for Case Study 6, focusing on the impact of pesticides and chemicals in Dutch nature conservation areas. Participants from environmental organizations and water boards discussed the potential underestimation of pollution effects, the need for more data on chemical presence, and the importance of including nature in risk assessments. The workshop concluded with a plan to involve relevant stakeholders in future efforts.

A survey is being conducted to improve the environmental risk assessment (ERA) of plant protection products under EU Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009. As part of the PARC, PollinERA, and SYBERAC projects, this initiative seeks input from regulatory Risk Assessors to enhance ERA methodologies in line with the European Green Deal. The insights will support a shift toward integrative, systems-based approaches, with anonymized results shared in a future online webinar.

The SYBERAC project has started its cross-project cooperation at its kick-off meeting in Wageningen!