BIODIVERSA2

Cooperation and shared strategies for biodiversity research programmes in Europe

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems are major scientific and societal challenges. Addressing them and providing scientific support to policy requires a coherent research framework, with coordinated strategies and programmes at the regional and international levels, which are the relevant scales for many biodiversity issues. By networking 21 funding agencies from 15 countries, BiodivERsA2 aims to strengthen the ERA on biodiversity. Building on the experience of the ERA-Net BiodivERsA, but with a wider, more balanced network, BiodivERsA2 will promote a strategy for biodiversity research, in partnership with other players in the field, and will organize joint funding to better integrate biodiversity science. The objectives are to: - develop an efficient agenda-setting mechanism for joint activities (including joint calls),taking into account existing research strategies and agendas at international levels along with national and institutional priorities - instate a recurrent and visible funding opportunity for transnational biodiversity research projects - play an active role in the processes and interfaces to inform policy and users - prepare the establishment of a sustainable, independent funding platform for biodiversity research The project has 6 workpackages. WP1 will promote networking and sharing of best practice, ensuring the rapid integration of new members and the adoption of a framework for joint calls. WP2 will analyse the landscape and cooperate with stakeholders identifying research needs, with science-policy interfaces and with relevant infrastructure programmes. Using outputs of WP1&2, WP3 will produce a roadmap for joint funding and implement 3 calls within the project timespan. These activities will ultimately create the conditions for the network to become a sustainable funding platform for European biodiversity research, which will be fostered by WP4. WP5 will develop and implement a communication strategy and enhance project web-products. WP6 deals with coordination and management.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

An EU project set itself up as a de facto funding body for biodiversity research in Europe.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Biological communities and ecological systems are profoundly affected by human activities, and biodiversity is in turn crucial for human societies. This is because, in addition to cultural and ethical considerations, the diversity and abundance of species are crucial for various ecosystem services.

The EU-funded 'Cooperation and shared strategies for biodiversity research programmes in Europe' (http://www.biodiversa.org/ (BIODIVERSA2)) project was established to bring further the European Research Area (ERA) and fund related research . Working with other key players in the field, the project strengthened the biodiversity research within the ERA.

BIODIVERSA2, the ERAnet for biodiversity represented a network of 21 national funding agencies in 15 countries. It provided the funds for biodiversity researchers to discover innovative solutions for the sustainable management of biological resources. A key project objective was to foster cooperation among those working in biodiversity research and related disciplines.

In order to identify its priorities, the project mapped its future through horizon-scanning exercises and gap analyses. Members produced two reports on the national and international priorities for biodiversity research selected by a range of European and international bodies.

BIODIVERSA2 funded 5 joint calls for research proposals over 3 years, and allocated about EUR 50 million to biodiversity research in that time. The project also collated and published a database of more than 6 300 European biodiversity research projects.

A major project impact is that the network now offers a relevant source of funding for biodiversity research programmes across Europe. In addition, several policy recommendation documents have come out of BIODIVERSA2-funded projects.

The BIODIVERSA2 project will not offer any further research funding in its current form, but will continue to function as a funding body under the name BIODIVERSA. The programme will also continue to promote the alignment of national research programmes for biodiversity across Europe and to contribute to the development of the knowledge-base for the EU Research & Innovation policy including on nature-based solutions.