Step closer to advanced monitoring of our biodiversity

Biodiversity supports the healthy ecosystems that we rely on for food, health, energy, freshwater, and many other essential services. Unfortunately, the data we currently have shows a worrying picture: biodiversity is declining, and substantial shifts in biodiversity are occurring. However, current monitoring falls short of providing a good overview of this, as measurements are not standardized and do not happen fast enough to track changes immediately. Governments, businesses, and society urgently need clear information about the current state of nature to implement effective policies to counteract biodiversity loss. The funding for the Automated Biodiversity Monitoring (ABM) initiative from the FTO grant of the central government provides a direct answer to this pressing need.

TNO will focus on the technical development of these field stations (sensors), while RIVM and Rijkswaterstaat will be responsible for installing these stations within their monitoring networks. Naturalis will be working on the technology and the system (also referred to as the ‘infrastructure’) to which these stations will be connected.

Henrik Cornelisson van de Ven, senior scientist at TNO, emphasizes the broader impact: “TNO is proud to support the excellent work of Naturalis. With our expertise in sensor networks and technology valorisation, we strengthen the effectiveness of the project. By working together, we can not only take biodiversity monitoring to a higher level, but also generate valuable data that helps shape transitions in ways that are optimal for biodiversity in the Netherlands.”

The installation of the stations by RIVM and Rijkswaterstaat is crucial for data collection. Andries Hof, senior scientific officer at RIVM, is positive about the approach: “By cleverly measuring biodiversity and environmental quality in the same locations, we gain more insight into effective measures for improving biodiversity.”

Ingeborg Absil, Director of Accessibility and Network Quality at Rijkswaterstaat, is also enthusiastic about the collaboration: “Rijkswaterstaat is known as a manager of asphalt, but we also manage a great deal of nature – including more than 18,000 hectares of roadsides along the national highway network. ABM provides valuable data on developments that may affect road safety. I am convinced that where necessary, this will allow us to ensure that nature development and nature conservation go even more hand in hand with keeping our country safe and accessible.”