Key objectives of the BioClima project

To establish advanced integrated monitoring systems for climate and biodiversity monitoring that combine in situ observations (including citizen science and professional networks), remote sensing data (satellite, UAVs), and environmental datasets to provide comprehensive, geographically-explicit insights into terrestrial ecosystems in the EU and China.

To develop sophisticated data models and analytical pipelines that enable seamless fusion of diverse data streams, including climate, land use, and biodiversity datasets, to support predictive modelling, ecological risk assessment, and decision-making. Use of traditional methods as well as innovative AI/ML methods are foreseen.

To improve the monitoring of biodiversity and climate change impacts through the development and application of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) and Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), focusing on vulnerable ecosystems such as forests and grasslands. Assess the impact of climate change on biodiversity and explore the synergies and trade-offs between biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation through detailed comparative case studies in both the EU and China.

To identify and implement nature-based and technological solutions that maximise synergies between biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and adaptation efforts, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems.

Execute and evaluate use cases to demonstrate synergies between climate and biodiversity monitoring, and upscale them to European scale. To provide scientific insights and evidence-based recommendations to support policy-making and the implementation of integrated climate and biodiversity strategies at national and international levels.

Enhance EU-China partnerships by fostering joint knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts in environmental research and innovation. Leverage the China-EU Research and Innovation Collaboration Flagship Program to establish a digital cooperation platform within BioClima, promoting shared technological progress and research in biodiversity and climate action, aligning with global initiatives like the GEO and contributing to international frameworks such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Convention on Biodiversity (CBD). To support these activities, developing a comprehensive strategy for the international communication, dissemination, and sustainable exploitation of project results, including educational and capacity-building activities aimed at stakeholders, policymakers, and the scientific community.