Background and mandate
Mandate
Information and data are often dispersed across various sources and difficult to find. The need for a web-based information and networking portal for biodiversity monitoring in Germany was already outlined in the General concept (2021) for the National Monitoring Centre. The portal is also embedded in the National Strategy on Biological Diversity 2030 (NBS 2030), under Measure 6.2.4 in the action area “Digitalisation, Data and Research”.
Key issues
The portal will support the activities and objectives of the Monitoring Centre and the wider monitoring community in future. A position paper from the Monitoring Centre’s headquarters outlines the initial requirements, builds on the preliminary concept and establishes the basis for further content development, in close dialogue with the community. The paper defines the goals and framework for shaping the portal, setting out the priorities and approach for establishing a digital information and networking platform for national biodiversity monitoring.
Summary of key points
Key content-related aspects for designing the information and networking portal are:
- Information on current monitoring activities is available on the portal, as well as specialised information such as methodological standards, mapping instructions, reports and scientific publications.
- All relevant and available (meta-)data and information on nationwide biodiversity monitoring can be found and accessed via the portal.
- Biodiversity and monitoring data can be filtered and retrieved via various applications and are illustrated in the form of maps and graphics.
- Information on selected topics of biodiversity monitoring is provided in a form suitable for the target group, for example in the form of articles, videos and infographics.
- The portal facilitates exchange and collaboration among the various stakeholders involved in biodiversity monitoring.
- It provides tailored tools and formats to support all those engaged in these activities.
Target group
In the long term, the information and networking portal will address public authorities, professional associations, organisations and volunteers, the scientific and research community, citizen science project participants and interested members of the public. Successful nationwide collaboration relies on enabling all stakeholders to exchange knowledge effectively and utilise existing synergies. As the portal grows, the initial focus will be on the needs and dialogue within the monitoring community.
Strategic vision
A comprehensive strategic framework has been defined to guide the development of the portal, including its mission, vision, core objectives (fields of action) and strategic sub-goals. Key principles, values and unique features have also been established to provide clear guidelines for the portal’s development.
Mission
The mission of the portal is to combine the following functions:
Guide:
- Provides orientation and an entry point into biodiversity and monitoring topics in Germany, answering related questions.
Service provider:
- Supports members of the monitoring community in implementing the objectives of nationwide, cross-habitat biodiversity monitoring.
Knowledge hub:
- Aggregates and connects information, data, and results from German biodiversity monitoring efforts for professionals and interested users alike.
Communicator:
- Promotes visibility for the work of all involved in Germany’s biodiversity monitoring community and the National Monitoring Centre.
Core fields of action and goals
Five action areas represent the portal's core objectives and provide the framework for defining operational objectives and measures. The core objectives are:
Vision
In the long term, the portal aims to become the central point of access for information, knowledge exchange and networking on biodiversity monitoring in Germany.
Product vision
The portal serves as a central hub and guide to consolidated information and data on biodiversity in Germany, based on monitoring activities.
It provides orientation for research, practice, and the general public, offering access to a continuously growing and up-to-date pool of knowledge. With a clear nationwide focus, it brings together expertise on biodiversity monitoring and information about stakeholders and monitoring programmes. It also presents their findings on different species and habitats, highlighting overarching trends in biodiversity across Germany.
The content is well-structured, interconnected, thematically flexible, and contextualised – meaning it can be combined in a modular way and placed in the appropriate context depending on the user’s professional focus. This enables users to navigate purposefully through the knowledge network and find relevant content, expertise, and contacts within the monitoring community.
An intelligent search function supports the targeted exploration of the portal’s resources and relevant external information, displaying results in clearly and accessibly. The portal also provides professional services – including educational and informational materials, as well as practical tools and resources such as data and analysis tools, visualisation resources, species identification materials, and guidelines for monitoring and practical application.