NextBON - Next Generation Biodiversity Observation Network

In the NextBON project we will transform European biodiversity monitoring from its current fragmented state into an integrated, policy-responsive system as the present monitoring landscape reflects decades of parallel development under different European and global frameworks. NextBON responds directly to the Horizon-CL6-2025-01-BIODIV-04 call by operationalising the EuropaBON framework and advancing Europe’s biodiversity monitoring capacity through the deployment of innovative technologies, systematic integration, and harmonisation of national observation programmes. Rather than replacing existing efforts, the project fills critical gaps, strengthens validation and comparability, and ensures that the diverse datasets can be mobilised at European scale. We will systematically integrate existing frameworks by strengthening and aligning national, regional, and thematic initiatives under a common structure, ensuring interoperability and FAIR data principles. We will validate and deploy innovative monitoring techniques through eDNA metabarcoding for multi-taxa and invasive species detection, AI-supported passive acoustic and camera-trap networks for scalable species and habitat monitoring, and satellite and drone-based Earth observation combined with machine-learning habitat classification and Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) derivation. We will also deploy a tiered in-situ network in 9 Case Study areas across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems to generate Essential Biodiversity Variables and transform them into policy-relevant indicators and decision-support tools. To fill the gap between theory and applications we will establish a scientifically rigorous foundation for operationalizing EBVs into policy relevant Enhanced Biodiversity Indicators (EBIs) across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems allowing monitoring the success of the European and global frameworks and mechanisms by systematic assessment of biodiversity state, its drivers, and trends across all ecosystems. From the resulting pool of indicators, key policy-relevant indicators are prioritized in one or more workshops with participation of internal colleagues, competent authorities, external experts and interested stakeholders. The indicators will directly feed NRR targets, which support directly the achievement of the goals of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and of the EU Climate Law. All activities work in concert to harmonise Europe’s monitoring landscape, deliver high-resolution biodiversity data, and provide actionable insights for restoration and conservation policy.