Day 1 – Monitoring biodiversity: between science, ethics and engagement
On 3 May 2026, Vincent Devictor (Institut des sciences de l’évolution, Montpellier) presented the public conference “Monitoring biodiversity: between science, ethics and engagement” organised for BioMonWeek2026. The session was held in French, with English translation, and was open to everyone – whether registered for BioMonWeek or not.
Through three different stories, Vincent Devictor highlighted the key moments in history that have shaped biodiversity monitoring as we know it today, ranging from policy demands for monitoring to inform decision-making, to decentring the human perspective, and to the need for collective efforts in monitoring and impact studies.
In a context where biodiversity is collapsing, this conference highlighted the challenges that have emerged over the past 50 years and remain highly relevant today:
- Establishing collective monitoring efforts
- Using data to inform policy and global decision-making
- Producing standardised, reproducible data with a clear purpose
- Using novel technologies without falling into technogaianism
- Using data as a tool to counter misinformation
Finding meaning in data
Nowadays, a massive amount of data is being produced and collected. Monitoring biodiversity is the only way to assess biodiversity loss and ecosystem change. Data can also help identify when policies are effective and when restoration measures deliver results. It supports both political action and activism.
A key concern was raised during the Q&A session: are data becoming disconnected from action? How can ensure that biodiversity data remain meaningful? What role should researchers play when producing data?
Vincent Devictor insisted on the importance of collecting data, but also on the need to properly define it, trace its origin, and understand what it represents. Data for its own sake can distance us from our shared objective of restoring biodiversity and living in harmony with nature.
