As part of its work programme, Biodiversa+ is committed to enhancing the interoperability and harmonisation of biodiversity monitoring databases. In this context, a first workshop on data interoperability and harmonisation was held on 1 September 2022. The event brought together representatives from European and international initiatives and databases to present their data architectures and workflows, and to explore how Biodiversa+ could support improved interoperability across systems. The workshop gathered 37 participants, including representatives of European and global initiatives/databases, (sub)national platforms, Biodiversa+ Partners, researchers, and members of European institutions.
During the first part of this workshop, Dani Villero from CREAF introduced the EuropaBON biodiversity monitoring database. Nestor Fernandez, German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research, gave a presentation on Essential Biodiversity Variables. Tim Hirsch, deputy director of the GBIF Secretariat presented the data flows in GBIF and the diversification of the GBIF model. Lucia Vaira from LifeWatch ERIC, gave an overview of the (Meta)data structure and workflows in LifeWatch ERIC and finally, Rutger Vos from the Naturalis Biodiversity Centre presented the BIOSCAN/iBOL infrastructure developments about DNA (meta)barcoding for biodiversity monitoring. During the second part of the workshop, all participants were invited to identify major issues on data interoperability and harmonisation to be addressed and to share their thoughts on how Biodiversa+ could provide support to tackle these issues.
In the end, Alberto Basset from the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research, Hilde Eggermont, Biodiversa+ Chair & Coordinator from BelSPO and Petteri Vihervaara from the Finish Ministry of Environment offered some concluding words. As a next step, Biodiversa+ will organise a second workshop allowing (sub-)national databases and initiatives to introduce their data architecture and workflows. A public report will also be drafted.
