Digital technologies, DNA and coordinated governance can transform biodiversity monitoring in Europe

Biodiversity loss is a major challenge that involves monitoring the status of populations of many species, extinctions, the conservation status of habitats, the spatial distribution of individuals, etc. This is millions of data that, to be useful for governments to act, must be solid and coherent. A new study led by the EuropaBON project and published in the journal Nature Reviews Biodiversity proposes a solution to this challenge. Specifically, it proposes a comprehensive plan that builds a modern and integrated biodiversity observation network in Europe. This work, the result of the collaboration of 15 research organizations, aspires to become the global model for nature monitoring in the 21st century.

Although there are numerous programmes across Europe that monitor biodiversity and ecosystems, the data they generate is often not well connected. In some cases, it is not compatible between countries and in others there are significant information gaps. This fragmentation makes it difficult to act quickly in the face of the climate and environmental crisis.

The study proposes connecting biodiversity monitoring systems that currently operate in a dispersed manner, creating a coordinated network at European level. This transformation is based on three main elements:

• Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs): These are a set of standard biological measures, chosen by the scientific community, that allow us to track changes in biodiversity over time and across ecosystems. EBVs bridge the gap between field data, such as species lists, and key indicators for conservation policy, such as the IUCN Red List. They also provide a common framework for assessing both species abundance and overall ecosystem health.
• European Coordination Centre (EBOCC): This new European body will be responsible for unifying monitoring methods, coordinating projects and ensuring transparent management of biodiversity data.
• Combination of innovation and expert knowledge: The model integrates modern tools such as digital sensors, artificial intelligence and environmental DNA (eDNA) with the irreplaceable contribution of citizen science and specialized taxonomists.

For CREAF, this publication is a key step. According to Lluís Brotons, the work establishes “a shared framework that allows us to work together on biodiversity monitoring”. Thanks to this, the data collected in Catalonia will be able to be integrated into European and international networks. Thus, CREAF actively contributes to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the new Nature Restoration Regulation.