NextBON - Next Generation Biodiversity Observation Network
Referente scientifico
Gruppo di Lavoro
Davide Travaglini, Costanza Borghi
Partners di progetto
Københavns Universitet (DK) – Coordinator
Universität für Bodenkultur Wien (AT)
Wageningen University (NL)
Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ES)
Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare Delta Dunării (RO)
Universität Zürich (CH)
Erinn Innovation Limited (IE)
Luonnonvarakeskus (FI)
NIBIO – Norsk Institutt for Bioøkonomi (NO)
Aggestam Filip (FR)
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (DK)
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (ES)
Prospex Institute (BE)
Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet (SE)
Taxus IT Spółka z ograniczoną odpowiedzialnością (PL)
Panepistimio Aigaiou (GR)
Università degli Studi di Firenze (IT)
Universidad de Málaga (ES)
Stichting Wageningen Research (NL)
Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare Marină “Grigore Antipa” (RO)
HUN-REN Balatoni Limnológiai Kutatóintézet (HU)
Principali obiettivi
NextBON aims to address the ongoing decline of biodiversity across European terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems by developing a harmonised, large-scale, and policy-relevant biodiversity observation network. The project seeks to overcome the fragmentation of current monitoring systems by integrating and validating innovative technologies such as Earth observation, eDNA metabarcoding, automated sensor networks, artificial intelligence, and image-based species identification. Through the implementation of a three-tier biodiversity monitoring framework, NextBON will provide consistent, comparable, and high-quality data across Europe, supporting the assessment of biodiversity trends, the identification of ecosystem change drivers, and the development of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs). The project will also strengthen collaboration among research infrastructures, national agencies, policymakers, and citizen scientists through co-design activities, FAIR/CARE data governance, and interoperable workflows. Ultimately, NextBON aims to deliver a validated blueprint for a long-term European biodiversity monitoring system capable of supporting the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the Nature Restoration Regulation, and global biodiversity commitments such as the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Abstract
Biodiversity is declining across terrestrial, marine, and freshwater ecosystems. Current monitoring is fragmented, with gaps, inconsistent methods, and limited interoperability, constraining evidence-based conservation. Meeting EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, Nature Restoration Regulation, and Kunming-Montréal Framework targets requires coordinated, standardized monitoring for policy-relevant indicators.
With NextBON, we advance through a scalable, tiered blueprint integrating genomic, remote sensing, and data science methods. Our consortium unites 22 institutions from 16 countries for pan-European implementation. Tier 1 employs EU-wide satellite imagery to track ecosystem and land cover trends. Tier 2 enables national and habitat-specific assessments monitoring priority species and communities. Tier 3 conducts intensive local field studies with IoT sensors, eDNA/genomics, and in-situ methods to collect fine-scale biodiversity and process data.
We harmonize Essential Biodiversity Variables, adopt standardized protocols, and apply FAIR principles for interoperability, letting Member States adapt monitoring intensity while ensuring compatibility. Using genomics, remote sensing, AI, and citizen science, we expand taxonomic coverage to detect cryptic and deep-sea species missed by traditional monitoring. This advanced sampling bridges scientific observation and policy.
We deliver consistent, comparable data for EU-wide and global analyses, supporting science and policy. We work with key infrastructures (LifeWatch ERIC, EMBRC, eLTER) and the EC Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity to make data accessible and useful in policy, including IPBES assessments. By shifting from reactive counting to predictive ecosystem assessment and early warning, we establish enduring capacity for adaptive biodiversity management and conservation.
Azioni progettuali
WP1: Operationalizing existing observation frameworks through networking and harmonisation (Lead Beneficiary: UNIROMA)
WP2: Advanced biodiversity observation techniques (Lead Beneficiary: NIBIO)
T2.4: Enhance remote sensing integration (Lead: UNIFI)
WP3: Deployment of large-scale in-situ biodiversity demonstration observation network (Lead Beneficiary: CSIC)
WP4: Assessment of biodiversity state, drivers of its decline, and trends (Lead Beneficiary: LUKE)
WP5: Science services for biodiversity knowledge building and for policy decision making (Lead Beneficiary: BOKU)
WP6: NextBON data backbone: FAIR integration, validation, and policy outreach (Lead Beneficiary: SLU)
WP7: Stakeholder engagement, DEC (Dissemination, communication and exploitation) (Lead Beneficiary: ERINN)
WP8: Project Management (Lead Beneficiary: UCPH)
Principali risultati conseguiti
(da aggiungere quando lo passiamo all’archivio dopo fine del progetto)
Durata
48 mesi
Inizio: 1 ottobre 2026
Conclusione: 30 settembre 2030
Proroga: da definire
Ente finanziatore e bando
European Union under the HORIZON.2.6 - Food, Bioeconomy Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment (Grant agreement ID: 101287608) - call for proposal https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-search;callCode=HORIZON-CL6-2025-01
Sito web progetto
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101287608
Ultimo aggiornamento
03.07.2026