Nationwide Biodiversity Monitoring Concept
Developing a comprehensive concept for nationwide biodiversity monitoring across all habitat types is a core task of the Monitoring Centre. The aim is to build on existing monitoring programmes, make better use of synergies, identify gaps and address them step by step, in order to establish a systematic, efficient and long-term monitoring framework for Germany as a whole.

The overall concept is continuously developed through a scientifically sound, collaborative process carried out in close dialogue with the monitoring community. A comprehensive assessment of nationally representative monitoring programmes provides an important foundation for this work. Building on this, overarching long-term objectives have been jointly defined with the monitoring community and formally adopted by the commitees of the Monitoring Centre.

In terms of content, the concept outlines the current situation and objectives of the further developed biodiversity monitoring system, defines its conceptual foundations and sets prioritised short- and medium-term goals. It identifies the scientific, human and technological requirements needed to enable cross-habitat assessments of biodiversity change and derives overarching areas for action. In addition, key elements of data management, the involvement of citizen science and the systematic integration of new methods and technologies are taken into account in order to further develop nationwide biodiversity monitoring in a sustainable and future-proof manner. 

At present, concrete short- and medium-term objectives are being compiled and prioritised by the monitoring community.

Our goal is to ensure transparency, evaluation, and improvement in the availability of data on drivers. To achieve this, we collaborate with a dedicated expert committee, which advises the Principal Expert Committee. Together, we are developing a framework for the thematic focus on influencing factors as part of the overall concept.

Further topics and tasks:

• Promotion of networking between data-holding and data-using entities
• Promotion of networking between the fields of biodiversity and drivers
• Identification of gaps and needs in the monitoring of drivers
• Support for the development and promotion of processes for making data on drivers available
• Creation of a database on nationwide monitoring programmes that collect data on drivers, including information such as: data availability, collected parameters, temporal and spatial resolution
• Integration of remote sensing methods into conceptual work to improve the understanding of drivers influencing biodiversity

In collaboration with the Soil Biodiversity Expert Committee, we are working on conceptual foundations for future nationwide soil biodiversity monitoring. As a first step, specific goals for monitoring soil biodiversity and functions have been formulated. We have also developed technical recommendations for a nationwide baseline survey of soil biodiversity (ANK Measure 6.4).
 

Our aim is to integrate and highlight aquatic topics, processes from marine monitoring, and monitoring of inland waters within the work of the Monitoring Centre. We seek to identify and address needs and gaps in aquatic biodiversity monitoring, with a particular focus on developing and implementing innovative new methods. Additionally, we aim to support efforts to improve data availability and streamline information flows, ensuring greater transparency.

We pursue the long-term goal of making data and information on biodiversity, as well as the environmental factors affecting it, effectively and sustainably (re)usable. A key focus is on developing a roadmap for integrating diverse data sources. Establishing standards and guidelines is crucial to ensure that monitoring programmes and the data derived from them are described in a harmonised and structured manner. Furthermore, the monitoring centre is dedicated to continuously increasing the proportion of FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) data available in the field of biodiversity.

Further Topics and Tasks:

• Networking with stakeholders and preparing an assessment of data management practices and data flows within the monitoring community.
• Identifying needs and requirements for data management in biodiversity monitoring and developing framework guidelines based on case studies.
• Designing workflows for mobilising biodiversity data in collaboration with data-holding institutions and infrastructure providers.
• Creating and maintaining a database with structured descriptions of nationwide monitoring programmes.

Our team coordinates the co-financing and implementation of the nationwide ecosystem monitoring as well as the insect monitoring conducted by the federal states. We also support and promote nationwide citizen science-based monitoring projects, known as “flagship projects.” This support contributes to the further development of nationwide biodiversity monitoring and strengthens public engagement with biodiversity. In addition, we design and coordinate the funding of projects in the areas of new technologies, citizen science, and the expansion of existing monitoring programmes.

The Monitoring Centre is currently developing an information and networking portal for nationwide biodiversity monitoring. The team is responsible for the conceptual content-related and strategical development and implementation. We consolidate relevant content and coordinate the necessary processes for realization. We also work closely with related portals and initiatives, such as umwelt.info and NFDI4Biodiversity, to ensure alignment and collaboration.

Our goal is to communicate and present the scientific content and activities of the Monitoring Centre in a clear and engaging manner, fostering dialogue even with target groups outside the scientific community. To achieve this, we continuously develop our website and keep the community informed through press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and video content. Currently, we are developing a publication and communication strategy.

In this team, we work on strengthening volunteer engagement and citizen science initiatives in the field of biodiversity monitoring and integrating them into the nationwide monitoring system. To achieve this, we engage with professional societies, associations, and research institutions. Our aim is to connect, support, and raise the visibility of participants in the monitoring community and other interested parties. Promoting species identification skills is also a key focus of our work.

Since 2021, we have been supporting the EU-funded Biodiversity Partnership Biodiversa+ on behalf of the BMUV. We are actively involved in the field of “harmonisation and cooperation of biodiversity monitoring programmes in Europe.” As part of this work, we are contributing to the design of a Europe-wide portal for biodiversity data. Additionally, we are involved in creating a European network of monitoring centers as part of a EU coordination centre for biodiversity monitoring (EBOCC).

In addition to numerous administrative tasks, the secretariat organises the Monitoring Centre's many events in collaboration with the event management team. These include the forum, the lecture series, as well as various workshops and expert conferences.