SCALING UP THE EU PROJECT outcomes for RAILWAYS | EU BISON Project

BISON Wilding Railways

27 February 2023, UIC HQ in Paris

The EU Biodiversity and Infrastructure Synergies and Opportunities for European Transport Networks (BISON) Project project is delighted to announce an international event to be organised in collaboration with UIC Sustainable Land Use Sector as opening event of UIC Sustainability Action Week, on February 27, 2023.

The main focus of the event is to leverage the collective knowledge of the diverse participants to stimulate solutions on railways land management strategies and practices.

What?

Participants will come together from different expertise sectors, institutions, and companies to address the topics proposed in each #thinktank discussion. The aim is to further establish a connection between #ecology, #biodiversity and #ecosystemmanagement, with #railwayinfrastructure management.

Why?

The modal shift to rail is an important step to achieve decarbonisation targets worldwide since the rail represent the lowest carbon emitting transport solution for freight and passengers. Railways can and will contribute to the #EuropeanBiodiversityStrategy for 2030, the #EuropeanGreenDeal and the #SustainableDevelopmentGoals. To do so, while increasing mobility and connectivity on a global scale, it will be increasingly important to understand the impacts on railway land, the role that railway infrastructure managers can play in enhancing and ensuring the correct efficiency of the ecosystems present on said land, and the ecological implications, benefits and measures necessary to ensure an environmentally friendly transport mode.
Throughout discussions on the latest topics merging railways and ecology, and with high level presentations from key speakers, it is possible to inspire solutions for railway land management strategies and practices as to benefit from the collective knowledge of the diverse participants.

How?

Our aim can be achieved with deployment of the EU BISON Project knowledge and achievements in the railway sector. Therefore, the first session of the event consists of think tank discussions running all together in parallel: each participant will choose a single discussion topic for discussion beyond their field of expertise and generate ideas on how to contribute to the that think tank activities. Each think tank will be guided by a Facilitator who provided solid contribution to the work packages of the EU BISON Project activities.
Participants will complete their registration on the "EU BISON Project - UIC Sustainable Land Use Day by selecting one of the following interest groups:

Policies affecting biodiversity strategies and land use topics
Land cover, sealed surfaces and nature-based solutions
Biodiversity monitoring and reporting

After the think tank discussion, the facilitator of each think tank will present their sessions to all participants in the respective sessions. The facilitator is also expected to give an informative speech including possible links with the EU BISON Project activities. Each facilitator’s presentation will be followed by relevant presentations of railway experts.
The event will conclude with a showcase of UIC’s international activities to enhance biodiversity conservation together with its members in the Sustainable Land Use sector.

Agenda

Presentations and Documents

As a lasting resource and a showcase of our collective achievements, we have created the Booklet of the Action Week, a comprehensive guide summarising the compelling outcomes, innovative ideas and inspiring stories shared throughout this thought-provoking and transformative event. Let’s explore why you won’t want to miss the action event next time.

UIC SUSTAINABILITY ACTION WEEK 2023 - ebooklet/consolidated edition
Additionally, as part of the Action Week’s commitment to inclusivity, we have created an engaging poster that showcase the results of the thinktank discussion. These posters serve as visual representations of the brilliant ideas and innovative solutions generated during the collaborative sessions.
- Enhance connectivity and provide opportunities

👉 Inspire Others : Share the ebooklet and posters with your colleagues to inspire them to take action too.

If you missed the seminars or would like to keep the information in your archive, please take a look at UIC’s playlist on YouTube: Bison Wilding Railways Presentations Videos on Youtube