Biodiversa+ is constantly refining its biodiversity monitoring framework, a cornerstone of its mission. Currently, the framework encompasses twelve core topics and a dedicated category for cross-cutting activities. To ensure it remains relevant and impactful, Biodiversa+ established a dedicated working group in 2024 to review these priorities for the upcoming partnership cycle (2025-2028).
Understanding User Needs
Recognising that biodiversity data serves a diverse range of users, the group prioritised understanding these needs first. They developed a “supply-and-demand” framework to identify the key players who rely on biodiversity data and results. These users were then categorised into four main categories:
- Assessment: Those who rely on data to evaluate the state of biodiversity;
- Awareness: Groups working to raise public awareness about biodiversity issues;
- Management: Organisations directly involved in managing ecosystems;
- Research: Scientists studying biodiversity and its changes.
These broad categories are not meant to be exhaustive or mutually exclusive, but overall, they offer a practical way to get started with effective biodiversity monitoring.
Workshopping a survey
To gather in-depth user needs, the working group designed a survey, and in May 2024, gathered in Paris to refine the survey’s structure, wording, and content. Fruitful discussions were also devoted to the analysis of survey responses. The outcomes of the workshop, together with the ‘supply-and-demand’ framework, will form the basis of a ‘concept note’ on the theoretical approach to setting biodiversity monitoring priorities.
This report, expected to be published in summer 2024, will provide a detailed methodology with clear guidelines for identifying key monitoring priorities. While Biodiversa+ will directly implement this methodology by the end of the year, the approach has wider value beyond the partnership and aims to set a new reference point in the field.
With this user-driven approach, Biodiversa+ is committed to ensuring its biodiversity monitoring efforts are as impactful as possible. Stay tuned for more updates!