Europe’s biodiversity

Measuring trends to support European policy

Tracking changes in biodiversity is an essential step in halting the decline of biodiversity

Measuring biodiversity trends over time by using indicators is essential because:
• it provides a tool to assess effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing biodiversity loss, particularly in the light of the European biodiversity target to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010;
• proper decisions cannot be made without knowledge;
• it measures progress in achieving policy goals;
• it informs many groups in society about an important aspect of the quality of life.

A number of European countries have integrated the outcome of ongoing biodiversity monitoring programmes into their national policy cycle. International initiatives stimulate the coordination between countries and civic groups for enhancing biodiversity monitoring.

Information on biodiversity trends in Europe is not easy to access

Biodiversity indicators and monitoring need international coordination because:
• no overall picture of the state of Europe’s biodiversity exists;
• only a few countries have nationally coordinated biodiversity monitoring networks;
• policymakers want concise information for their policy decisions;
• international policy processes have to measure their effectiveness;
• the interested public and other groups in society need to be involved in biodiversity conservation.

ECNC plays a central role in European biodiversity monitoring

Over the years ECNC has built up essential knowledge and a broad insight into the flow of biodiversity data, indicators, monitoring, reporting and communication to policymakers. It has a complete overview of ongoing processes at global, European and national level in Europe. ECNC leads European coordination. ECNC helps build capacity in countries, regions and sectors that want to enter the process of biodiversity monitoring.

ECNC can offer:
• European expertise on European policy-oriented biodiversity indicators and monitoring;
• a broad network of experts, civil society groups and policymakers that are involved in monitoring;
• training workshops for targeted audiences;
• desk studies, analysis and recommendations;
• an interface between science, society and policy;
• support in designing biodiversity monitoring programmes with a European accent;
• expertise in risk assessment, policy impact, reporting and information systems.

For more information contact: ECNC–European Centre for Nature Conservation
PO Box 90154, 5000 LG, Tilburg, the Netherlands, Tel.: +31-13-5944944, Fax: +31-13-5944945,
Email: Ben Delbaere, WWW: www.ecnc.org

European biodiversity expertise centre for sustainable development