Connecting Vegetation Management & Ecosystem Accounting in Grid Planning

Across Europe, Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) are already demonstrating that operational practices such as IVM can go far beyond compliance. From Portugal to Austria, innovative approaches are showing how corridor management can enhance grid resilience, reduce costs, and restore ecosystems – while also strengthening relationships with local communities. These experiences highlight a broader opportunity: to reposition grid corridors as assets that generate ecological, social, and economic value.

At the same time, a critical challenge remains. How can these practices be translated into robust, decision-relevant information that supports planning, regulation, and investment?

Connecting Vegetation Management & Ecosystem Accounting in Grid Planning

Co-organised with the Global Initiative for Nature, Grids and Renewables (GINGR), the webinar aims at highlighting how operational practices can move beyond compliance to generate measurable biodiversity gains, strengthen community value, and support more resilient infrastructure decisions.

The session will introduce the SEEA Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA) framework as a practical bridge between field-level action and strategic decision-making. Through real-world examples and tools such as spatial conservation planning, speakers will demonstrate how biodiversity, ecosystem services, and operational data can be integrated into consistent indicators and monitoring approaches. These outputs can inform national reporting systems and align with emerging disclosure frameworks, including CSRD and TNFD.

Participants will gain insights into how ecosystem accounting can:

The session will also showcase practical, Nature-Positive solutions on the ground – including the use of extensive grazing to reduce wildfire risks while enhancing biodiversity – demonstrating how operational measures can deliver multiple benefits for both infrastructure and ecosystems.

Guided by Prof. Lars Hein, the session will also address key methodological and governance questions, including how to translate complex ecological data into decision-useful insights and ensure transparency and credibility.

Bringing together perspectives from GINGR, industry, and applied research, speakers will share practical approaches to integrating biodiversity and ecosystem services into grid operations.

Event Speakers