Biodiversity monitoring in Flanders, Belgium: an overview of monitoring programmes and methodologies

Lecture series of the Monitoring Centre for Biodiversity: Biodiversity monitoring in Flanders, Belgium: an overview of monitoring programmes and methodologies Speaker: Stijn Van Onsem (INBO – Research Institute for Nature and Forest) In Belgium, biodiversity monitoring is mostly a regional responsibility. We provide a general overview of monitoring institutions, strategies, programmes and methodologies in Flanders, one of three regions in Belgium. The Flemish Region is a densely populated, low-land area with fragmented, yet valuable natural resources. Status and trends of species, communities and habitats protected under the Birds, Habitats and Water Framework Directives are being evaluated using large-scale and long-term monitoring programmes, while complementary, smaller-scale monitoring projects provide insights into ecosystem functioning and the efficiency of nature management. Invasive alien species are surveyed using tailored approaches based on the species’ ecology and distribution. In Flanders, citizen science and open science play an important role in biodiversity monitoring. Several institutions, including the Research Institute for Nature and Forest, experiment with innovative techniques and technologies, to increase our monitoring capabilities in a rapidly changing environment. Finally, we discuss international collaboration and harmonization initiatives – important aspects of ecological monitoring in a relatively small region. Monitoring Biodiversity in Europe In six lectures, speakers from six different countries report on how biodiversity monitoring is organized in their respective countries. They provide an overview of the most important monitoring programs, their historical developments, and the key actors involved. They explain what information is collected using which methods, what reporting requirements exist, and how the use and accessibility of the data is regulated. They also provide insight into the topics and developments they are currently working on and how they are involved in European and international initiatives. In a final seventh lecture, it will be presented how a "European Biodiversity Observation Coordination Centre" could contribute to the establishment of a transnational, cross-habitat biodiversity monitoring in the European Union. Background to the lecture series The National Monitoring Centre for Biodiversity has the key task of coordinating monitoring activities and further developing nationwide biodiversity monitoring in collaboration with professional associations, the scientific community and public authorities. This involves bringing together practitioners and researchers, refining methodologies and providing comprehensive information on biodiversity monitoring. In addition to other topic-specific events, a digital lecture series offers all interested parties the opportunity to exchange ideas. The lecture series offers insights into the monitoring landscape of selected European countries and an outlook on joint monitoring in the European Union.