Biodiversa+ regularly publishes guides, mappings, policy briefs and other written materials. Below you can access and freely download our publications.

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Guides and handbooks
Guidelines for NbS repositories

Guidelines for uploading and updating case studies in NbS repositories

This report overviews NbS platforms and repositories, offering guidance on selecting the right repository based on project outputs and challenges.

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Guidance on data management cover

Data Management Guide

Learn about policy relevance in research, how it’s evaluated in Biodiversa+ calls, and relevant policies for your projects.

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Handbook on the use of biodiversity scenarios

Handbook on biodiversity scenarios for decision-making

Learn more on how to develop biodiversity scenarios (in particular participatory ones) and how they can be a tool in support of decision-making.

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Citizen Science Toolkit cover

Citizen Science Toolkit

Get an overview of what Citizen Science is and access to a list of the most relevant publications and most useful tools for Citizen Science.

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Guide on Policy Relevance of Research cover

Guide on policy relevance of research

Learn more on what is policy relevance of research, how this aspect is evaluated in Biodiversa+ calls and what are the most relevant policies for your research projects.

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Stakeholder Engagement Handbook cover

Stakeholder Engagement Handbook

Learn more on ‘why’, ‘who’, ‘when’ and ‘how’ to engage stakeholders in research projects.

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Mappings

Mapping collaborations in biodiversity and transformative change research

Covering 2013-2023, this mapping examines co-authoring networks to provide insights into the structure and dynamics of research collaboration on biodiversity and transformative change.

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Mapping of international collaboration between scientists of the ERA and other regions

Mapping international collaborations between the ERA and other regions

Mapping assessing transnational (and bi-regional) research collaborations to inform internationalisation strategies in biodiversity research funding.

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Mapping transnational collaborations for research on biodiversity and climate change

Mapping transnational collaborations for research on biodiversity and climate change

Mapping collaborative research on biodiversity and climate change in the context of the BiodivClim COFUND Action

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Mapping biodiversity research infrastructures

Mapping of biodiversity research infrastructures

Mapping of existing biodiversity research infrastructures

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Mapping collaborations on biodiversity scenarios

Mapping international and multiregional research collaboration on biodiversity scenarios

An analysis of collaboration networks based on publications involving the European Research Area (ERA) and other world regions

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The BiodivERsA database (2005-2015)

Research on biodiversity and ecosystem services in Europe over 2005-2015

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Mapping the collaboration between Europe and Latin America/Caribbean for Research on Biodiversity

Mapping collaborations between Europe and Latin America/Caribbean for research on biodiversity

An analysis of collaboration networks based on publications involving ERA and LAC researchers (2003-2013)

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Deliverables & reports

How is the effectiveness of terrestrial protected areas to conserve biodiversity measured?

This systematic map aims to collate and synthesize global evidence on the methods and metrics used to assess the effectiveness of terrestrial PAs in biodiversity conservation.

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Specifications for cross-scale inclusion of harmonised protocols

This guidance defines common minimum requirements for biodiversity monitoring protocols and introduces Thematic Hubs to support cross-scale harmonisation.

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National Restoration Plans dialogue report

Report on a Dialogue Event exploring the obstacles Member States encounter while drafting National Restoration Plans.

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Report on sustainable biodiversity monitoring

This report explores how to effectively implement and maintain long-term, transnational biodiversity monitoring schemes across Europe.

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Updated monitoring priorities for 2025–2028

This report outlines updated priorities for biodiversity monitoring (2025–2028), highlighting key areas for strengthened, transnational action.

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IAS pilot: Second year report

The second-year report from the IAS monitoring pilot showcases progress in using image-based technologies and AI to detect invasive plants and insects across Europe.

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Soil pilot: Second year report

The second-year report from the soil monitoring pilot compares traditional vs. eDNA methods at a transnational scale.

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Dialogue on Restoration of Biodiversity, Habitats and Ecosystems

Restoration dialogue report

Report on a Dialogue Event exploring how Biodiversa+ can support national biodiversity restoration plans through targeted research and stakeholder engagement.

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Concept note on a methodological approach to define priorities for monitoring biodiversity

Supply-demand approach for monitoring priorities

We propose a user-centered approach to biodiversity monitoring prioritisation, using a recurring survey to match efforts with stakeholder needs.

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Cover: D2.14 Roadmap to novel technologies

Roadmap for novel monitoring technologies

Biodiversa+ assessed novel biodiversity monitoring technologies across Europe, highlighting deployment gaps, key challenges, and opportunities for harmonisation.

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Cover of the guide for the establishment of national hubs

Guide for the establishment of national hubs

This guide outlines key steps for establishing a national hub. It also addresses potential challenges and provides recommendations for effective management and governance.

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D4.8 Desk Study on NbS and Transformative change

How do Nature-based Solutions promote transformative change?

This study maps the outcomes of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) interventions and assesses their contributions to transformative change for the sustainable use and management of biodiversity.

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D2.9 Phase II Report

Strategic biodiversity monitoring governance (Phase II)

This report summarises key results and recommendations from Biodiversa+’s first two years on transnational biodiversity monitoring harmonisation.

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Ways to foster the uptake of knowledge on Nature-based Solutions

Drawing on recent initiatives and Biodiversa-funded projects, the report focuses on three pivotal processes that underpin the uptake of NbS knowledge into policy, practice, and decision-making.

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Governance Pilot Conclusions

Conclusions of the Governance pilot

The pilot examined and evaluated the current state of biodiversity monitoring governance, data management and interoperability, and data standards across participating countries and regions.

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Soil Biodiversity Pilot Midterm Report

Soil pilot: First year report

The pilot combines traditional morphological and DNA-based methods into a unified framework and develops standardised procedures for soil biodiversity assessment and reporting, in Europe and beyond.

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IAS Pilot Midterm Report

IAS pilot: First year report

This pilot is developing new methods to monitor invasive alien species, focusing on plants and insects. It uses image recognition techniques based on computer vision and deep learning.

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Shared goals and priorities for biodiversity indicators in Biodiversa+

Shared goals and priorities for biodiversity indicators

This report gives an overview of the main policies and initiatives related to biodiversity indicators, and identifies the key areas for indicator work within Biodiversa+.

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Guide on harmonising biodiversity monitoring

Guide on harmonising biodiversity monitoring

This guide offers strategies for aligning monitoring protocols, emphasising collaboration, multiscale approaches, and diverse national practices.

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Report on the uptake of knowledge gaps identified in IPBES assessments

Uptake of IPBES knowledge gaps by Biodiversa+ programmes and projects

A report evaluating how well Biodiversa+ has addressed IPBES-identified knowledge gaps in its strategic planning, research calls, and projects, with recommendations for improvement.

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Recommendations on societal transformation

Recommendations for the Biodiversa+ flagship programme on ‘Societal transformation’

A report providing guidance and identifying the main knowledge gaps and research needs to be addressed as part of a whole-of-society approach to societal transformation for biodiversity.

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Report on shared goals and priorities for biodiversity monitoring

Shared goals and priorities for biodiversity monitoring

This report presents the revised biodiversity monitoring priorities for the 2023–2025 cycle of Biodiversa+.

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How does biodiversity contribute to Nature-based Solutions?

This study examines how biodiversity can address social, economic, and environmental challenges through nature-based solutions.

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Biodiversa+ strategic biodiversity monitoring governance document (Phase 1)

Strategic biodiversity monitoring governance (Phase I)

Overview of European biodiversity monitoring governance, covering national/sub-national views and EuropaBON’s BMCC proposals.

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Harmonisation and interoperability of datasets

Based on workshops and surveys, this report outlines key data harmonisation challenges in biodiversity monitoring and maps national databases.

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Mapping organisations funding biodiversity monitoring

A mapping of ministries and other organisations that fund and steer (sub)-national biodiversity monitoring schemes across 23 countries.

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Biodiversity monitoring data in private decision-making

A report on the perspectives from private actors (business, civili society and NGOs) on their user needs for biodiversity monitoring data.

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Literature survey on monitoring protocols

This analysis explores strategies to achieve protocol harmonisation, focusing on information workflows and governance.

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Transformative change dialogue report

A report on the ways Biodiversa+ could support society to trigger transformative change for biodiversity

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Monitoring knowledge gaps and R&I priorities

This report highlights biodiversity monitoring knowledge gaps and R&I priorities to guide Biodiversa+’s 2nd call and other efforts.

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Funded joint calls brochures

2023 – 2024 BiodivNBS

Nature-based solutions for biodiversity, human well-being and transformative change

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BiodivMon brochure

2022 – 2023 BiodivMon

Improved transnational monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem change for science and society

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2021 – 2022 BiodivProtect

Supporting the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems across land and sea

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2020 – 2021 BiodivRestore

Conservation and restoration of degraded ecosystems and their biodiversity, including a focus on aquatic systems

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2019 – 2020 BiodivClim

Biodiversity and Climate Change

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2018 – 2019 BiodivHealth

Biodiversity and its influence on animal, human and plant health

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2017 – 2018 BiodivScen

Scenarios of Biodiversity and Ecosystem services

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2015 – 2016 BiodivDynamics

Biodiversity dynamics to improve ecosystem functioning and delivery of ecosystem services in a global change context: the cases of soils and sediments, and land- river and sea-scapes (habitat connectivity, green and blue infrastructures, and naturing cities)

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2013 – 2014 BiodivAgri

Promoting synergies and reducing trade-offs between food supply, biodiversity and ecosystem services

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2012 – 2013 BiodivInvasives

Invasive species and biological invasions

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2011 – 2012 BiodivScen2011

Biodiversity dynamics: developing scenarios, identifying tipping points and improving resilience

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2010 – 2011 BiodivValues

Biodiversity and ecosystem services and their valuation

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2008 Biodiv2008

Biodiversity: linking scientific advancement to policy and practice

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Policy briefs
  • All topics
  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity & health
  • Climate change
  • Conservation
  • Ecosystem services
  • Fisheries
  • Forestry
  • IAS
  • Marine
  • Nature-based solution
  • Protected areas
  • Terrestrial

Soil biodiversity management

Climate change affects soil life differently across regions, requiring targeted, function-focused, and context-aware management to balance biodiversity, productivity, and farming needs…

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Living systems, living solutions

Nature-based solutions, when grounded in local knowledge and participation, offer effective ways to address Europe’s climate, biodiversity, and land use challenges…

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Mainstreaming resilience in forest policy

Diversifying forests, aligning governance and finance, and improving data systems are key to making Europe’s forests more resilient to climate change…

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Harnessing early-warning systems and predictive scenarios

Predictive scenarios and innovative monitoring offer powerful tools to anticipate changes, reduce biodiversity loss, and build a more resilient future.

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Reconciling biodiversity values in agriculture and Protected Areas

By embracing diverse stakeholder values through participatory approaches, agriculture and biodiversity actors can turn tensions into opportunities for transformative change.

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The ability of scenarios to develop cross-sectoral capacities and support foresight and anticipatory governance in ensuring ecosystem resilience

This policy brief shows how scenarios focused on biodiversity can map potential pathways to enhance ecosystem resilience.

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Landscape diversity enhances human health

Diverse agricultural and forest landscapes enhance human physical and mental health. Even small land use changes can introduce health risks into the environment.

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Biodiversity promotes healthy agricultural systems and benefits human health

The diversity of functions that insects provide is crucial to sustain agricultural production. Diversity supports wild bee health. Soil microbial diversity can protect crops from disease and insect pests.

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Biodiversity mitigates health risks

Biodiversity can mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. Human disruptions alter ecosystems’ ability to protect our health.

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Nitrogen pollution and climate change reduce carbon storage and biodiversity of peatlands

This brief is based on findings of the PEATBOG project, illustrates a “win-win” between biodiversity-conservation and climate-change mitigation.

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Adaptation of trees and forests to climate change: the importance of genetic variability

This brief is derived from the LinkTree project, which examined the genetic variation within forest tree populations in five European countries, and assessed how this variability and its management could help forests adapt to environmental changes.

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Conservation of small mammals and associated ecosystems: the importance of European policies and actions

This brief is based on the Ecocycles research results, treats of the importance of European policies (for example, the Common Agricultural Policy, the EU Strategy on Climate Adaptation) and actions in the context of the conservation of small mammals and other species which depend on them.

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Natura 2000 and Europe’s forests: understanding and tackling implementation challenges

This brief presents the key results from the BeFoFu project that investigated both ecological challenges related to the management of protected forests and governance challenges related to the implementation of Natura 2000.

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Conservation of threatened insects in Europe: managing habitats for land use and climate change adaptation

This brief builds on the conclusions from the CLIMIT project focusing on the conservation of threatened and vulnerable insects in the context of changing land use and climate.

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Wildlife diseases on the increase: a serious threat for Europe’s biodiversity

This brief highlights the increase and the threat posed by these diseases to Europe’s biodiversity, as demonstrated in the RACE project.

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The Common Agricultural Policy can strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem services by diversifying agricultural landscapes

This brief is based on the combined results of the FARMLAND, APPEAL, CONNECT, EC21C and ECODEAL projects. It presents key recommendations on how the CAP can significantly contribute to more diversified agricultural landscapes in support of biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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How soil biodiversity can strengthen resilience and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes

This brief presents information on how soil biodiversity supports a wide range of ecosystem services, and influences crop properties beyond productivity, but that its benefits are often not well-known or underestimated.

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Measures to increase ecosystem resilience and avoid tipping points

This brief presents how the results from the TipTree, TIPPINGPOND and EC21C projects allow characterization of tipping points for two types of European ecosystems, forests and ponds.

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Policy tools to manage synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services

This brief presents how the CONNECT, REGARDS, TALE and VITALprojects use optimization tools and participative approaches to quantify synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services and identify policy options for their sustainable management.

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Green infrastructure within agricultural landscapes strengthens the supply of ecosystem services

This brief presents how the results from theEC21C, FarmLand, ECODEAL, APPEAL, SmallFOREST and CONNECT projects. It provides evidence that increasing landscape diversity through green infrastructure (GI) can improve the supply of ecosystem services, looking at biocontrol and pollination.

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How natural forest expansion in Europe can offer cost-effective benefits to people

This brief is based on the SPONFOREST BiodivERsA 2015-2016 research project presents information on how natural forest expansion can offer a cost-effective nature-based solution and climate mitigation measure.

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Marine Protected Areas in a changing climate

This brief summarises the research showing that effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) depend on their management objectives, their level of protection, and the proximity to other areas with various human pressures.

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Action on invasive alien species should better anticipate climate change effects on biological invasions in Europe

This brief presents information on how soil biodiversity supports a wide range of ecosystem services, and influences crop properties beyond productivity, but that its benefits are often not well-known or underestimated.

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Small-scale fisheries and co-management schemes

This brief demonstrates that co-management options and strong governance such as granting exclusive rights for fishing benefit both the performance of the small-scale fisheries themselves, but also contribute to their social and environmental sustainability.

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General Biodiversa publications
Biodiversa SRIA release cover
Biodiversa+ SRIA

2023

The Biodiversa+ Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda

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Biodiversa main achievements

Main achievements for research on biodiversity, ecosystem services and Nature-based Solutions over 2008-2021

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2010-2013 calls analysis of the outputs of BiodivERsA funded projects

Projects completed over 2014 to 2018

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2008 call analysis of the outputs of BiodivERsA funded projects

BiodivERsA 2008 joint call on “Biodiversity: linking scientific advancement to policy and practice”

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