The future of biodiversity monitoring in Europe

Moersberger, H., Martin, J.G.C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2862-8540, Valdez, J., Junker, J., Georgieva, I. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5556-794X, Bauer, S., Beja, P., Breeze, T., et al. (2023). The future of biodiversity monitoring in Europe. IIASA Policy Brief. Laxenburg, Austria: PB-37

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Abstract

Current biodiversity monitoring in Europe is fragmented and often inconsistent across countries. Monitoring efforts face multiple challenges including insufficient technical and human capacity, limited funding, data unavailability, and lack of long-term policy support.

To address these challenges, the Europa Biodiversity Observation Network (EuropaBON) proposes five clusters of solutions to improve the collection and uptake of policy-relevant biodiversity data:

- Enhance coordination and collaboration of monitoring efforts by identifying priorities, using standardized protocols, and aligning reporting requirements with specific indicators.
- Increase data standardization through the combination of Essential Biodiversity and Essential Ecosystem Services Variables (EBVs and EESVs) with dedicated data sharing and exchange mechanisms that adhere to open and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable) principles.
- Leverage modeling efforts and new technologies to integrate with traditional monitoring methods.
- Enable additional, consistent, and long-term financial resources for monitoring efforts, including more and better coordination across countries, institutions, and sectors, along with privatesector investments.
- Expand, adapt, and deliver capacity building, such as expert training, creating new exchange knowledge platforms, and embracing citizen science initiatives.

We propose the creation of a European Biodiversity Monitoring Coordination Centre in the near future to implement lasting improvements in the collection, analysis, reporting, and political uptake of biodiversity data in all European countries.

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