Preparatory Action project for EU Biodiversity Observation Coordination Centre (EBOCC) EC-ENV/2025/OP/0021

"The overarching objective of this contract is to test and implement a European Biodiversity Observation Coordination Centre (EBOCC) and a monitoring framework based on the EuropaBON proposal. By doing so, the contract will enhance the availability, consistency, and accessibility of biodiversity data to support the implementation of EU biodiversity policy at national, EU, and global levels. Furthermore, it aims to foster a coherent, structured, and cost-effective EU approach to systematic biodiversity observation. This will streamline biodiversity data flows and reduce the administrative burden on Member States regarding biodiversity monitoring and reporting.

The contract will focus on operationalising a limited set of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) proposed within the EuropaBON project, as well as a series of additional associated variables related to the conservation status of species and habitats. This is intended to support Member States in fulfilling their most critical statutory monitoring and reporting obligations. The EBVs in scope include: terrestrial habitats, freshwater benthic invertebrates, freshwater habitats, seagrass habitats, marine mammals, and pollinators."