The BioMonitor4CAP project works with a multi-disciplinary team consisting of ecologists, agronomists, ornithologists, entomologists, soil scientists, biochemists, geo-spatial data experts, acoustic data experts, data scientists, social scientist and economists, and conservationists.

Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change
The Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change (LIB) is a research museum of the Leibniz Association. The LIB is dedicated to research into biological diversity and how it changes in time and space with relevance for society as a whole. Scientists study the causes and consequences of biodiversity change in ecosystems worldwide, and contribute taxonomic expertise. The LIB coordinates the BioMonitor4CAP project and contributes especially to work packages 2 and 3.
Bangor University
Bangor University brings expertise in soil science and molecular ecology to deliver methodologies and indicators for soil biodiversity monitoring at the farm scale. Working with other project partners, we seek to specifically advance tools for quantifying the impacts of local mangement change on novel eDNA derived biodiversity metrics.
Bayer AG
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. In context of Biomonitor4CAP local experts from 3 Bayer country organizations (DE, NL, AU) will contribute to set up and implement trials on 4 of our Forward Farms to validate and demonstrate the selected monitoring systems. In addition, Bayer experts contribute to the in depth knowledge required to assess needs and demands for monitoring agro-biodiversity and help to assess strengths and weaknesses of existing bioindicator systems.
Spreewald Biosphere Reserve
Biosphere Program (MAB) was founded in the 1970s with the aim of serving both the preservation of natural resources and careful management of the biosphere based on the principle of sustainability. The Spreewald biosphere reserve has also dedicated itself to the associated goals and the pursuit of more sustainability as part of its research activities.
In the BioMonitor4CAP project, as part of Workpage 3, the Spreewald Biosphere Reserve is working very specifically to test, validate and develop affordable and reliable biodiversity monitoring systems that work both on agricultural land and in Natura 2000 areas by combining classic biodiversity indicator systems with innovative approaches such as acoustic, optical or molecular detection methods which can be combined. The aim is to effectively support the policies in European agricultural landscapes eventually to reward our local farmers fairly for their efforts and achievements in landscape and nature conservation.
British Trust for Ornithology
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) is a UK charity that focuses on understanding birds and how and why populations of birds and other wildlife are changing. We lead on the design, technology, implementation and management of data gathering for birds in the UK through long-standing and novel citizen science projects, as well as work on bats, other mammals, butterflies and pollinators. We are evidence-led, and our six science teams undertake a wide range of research to inform good environmental decisions in terrestrial and marine policy. Our role in BioMonitor4CAP is to lead on the bird monitoring, co-design of the sampling design and field protocols, and contribute to the testing and assessment of acoustic and other remote sampling methods with existing methods and infrastructure. We will be working initially mainly in the project’s UK research site in Dorset in southern England, working closely with National Trust, the largest land-owner there.
Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds
The Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) is a leading conservation NGO and leading authority on bird conservation and studies in Bulgaria. They manage and coordinate numerous projects on threatened species and their habitats. Since 2005 the BSPB is also running the Common Birds Monitoring Scheme for which they have developed an online application linked to a GIS called SmartBirds Pro. In the BioMonitor4CAP Project, the BSPB is involved in all work packages but mostly in WP 2 and 3 contributing to the ornithological studies and aspects of the surveys and data provision. One of the five major research site is located in South Bulgaria where the BSPB will be conducting pilot surveys and test devices.
Czech Society for Ornithology
The Czech Society for Ornithology (CSO) is an NGO focused on bird research and protection, a BirdLife partner in Czechia. It hosts the European Bird Census Council (EBCC) office and coordinates one of its main projects, the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (PECBMS). We gather information on the bird population changes from national monitoring schemes in 30 European countries and produce supranational bird indicators annually, including the Farmland Bird Index, which is part of the EU Sustainable Development Goals indicator set. In the current project, we will share our experience in traditional bird monitoring methods and biodiversity data analyses.
DLG e.V.
DLG e.V. provides a network of farmers, academics, consultants, public sector specialists, policymakers and representatives from agribusiness, who work closely together on a voluntary basis. They address key future issues in agriculture in the areas of crop production, agricultural technology, animal husbandry, animal nutrition, farm management, sustainability, aquaculture, bioenergy and forestry. Working on these topics in various committees ensures direct reference to agricultural practice. Within the BioMonitor4CAP project, DLG will contribute its expertise in setting up trial and demonstration fields and provide technical support. In addition, it will use its network to communicate and disseminate the project results to a wide audience.
Carinthia University of Applied Sciences
Carinthia University of Applied Sciences is a nonprofit institution dedicated to bringing applied solutions to society's pressing needs. Home of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas, CUAS provides expertise on the use of technologies to document biodiversity in the landscape. The UNESCO Chair at CUAS will provide for BioMonitor4CAP technical support in biodiversity monitoring, including automated monitoring techniques, earth observation capacities, and particularly a perspective on effects of management on biodiversity in protected areas and surrounding habitats of agroecosystems.
Farm Europe
Farm Europe is a multicultural think tank that aims to stimulate thinking on rural economies. The think tank focuses on all policy areas that impact on rural business, with a strong emphasis on agriculture and food policies, and especially the Common Agricultural Policy which is one of the main policy levers at the European level.
As part of the European BioMonitor4CAP project, Farm Europe is involved in the development of agro-biodiversity indicators to enable the implementation of results-based policies in European agricultural landscapes. Farm Europe contributes to the communication and dissemination of knowledge within the project.
Food4Sustainability
Food4Sustainability CoLAB (F4S) is a non-for-profit association dedicated to innovation in sustainable food production. The 5 pillars of F4S research agenda are circular economy, sustainable farming, natural capital, food, nutrition and wellbeing, and innovation and entrepreneurship. F4S has a multidisciplinary and talented team dedicated to supporting the agricultural sector by executing and building value from research, development and deployment of innovation initiatives based on smart and sustainable applications. F4S brings scientific expertise in agro-ecology, agronomy, soil science, remote sensing, and supporting biodiversity monitoring in situ. The CoLAB has a great network of farmers and stakeholders, allowing the participation of representatives of the agrifood in Portugal.
Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT
The Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT is part of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the world’s leading applied research organization. Headquartered in Ilmenau, the institute is internationally recognized for its expertise in applied electroacoustics and audio technology, AI-based signal analysis and machine learning, and data privacy and security. Fraunhofer IDMT will bring its expertise in the field of bioacoustic monitoring for birds, bats and insects to the project. On the one hand, the existing AI models for the detection of these species will be made more robust and energy efficient. On the other hand, the detection system will be extended and adapted to the species diversity for in-situ biodiversity monitoring.
Industrieverband Agrar e.V.
IVA represents producers of crop protection products, biocides, mineral fertilizers and biostimulants in Germany. Our members are multinational, medium-sized and small companies and we currently count 54 members. We Initiate and formulate common positions and policies for the industry, implement joint projects and initiatives, and enter dialogue with partners and public.
We are contributing plant cultivation expertise and knowledge from our members' biodiversity promotion projects to the BioMonitor4CAP-project.
Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research
The Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBER), was founded on July 1st 2010 by merging the former Institute of Zoology, Institute of Botany and Central Laboratory of General Ecology. The institute carries out research in pure and applied aspects of ecology, biodiversity, nature conservation and sustainable use of biological resources. The research staff comprises 132 experts, working in the fields of botany, mycology, zoology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, hydrobiology, conservation biology, environmental genetics, evolutionary biology, and training PhD students.
The role of IBER in the project BioMonitor4CAP is designing and testing farmland biodiversity monitoring systems in Bulgaria using the insects’ component.
Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development Polish Academy of Sciense
The Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IRWiR PAN) is the only scientific institution of its kind in Poland, dedicated to identifying and analyzing development mechanisms and their effects on the changing role of countryside in social, economic and cultural life of the country. The institute also monitors and evaluates current socio-economic and natural/environmental challenges facing local communities.
In the BioMonitor4CAP the IRWiR PAN leads WP5 “Ensuring replication and implementation” and is highly involved in implementation of WP4 “Socio-economic proofing of agrobiodiversity measures”
Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy
The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) creates the scientific foundation to transform agricultural, food, industrial and energy systems into a comprehensive bio-based circular economy. ATB develops and integrates techniques, processes and management strategies to converge technologies for crosslinking highly diverse bioeconomic production systems and to control them in a knowledge-based, adaptive and largely automated manner. In the project, ATB has the role to evaluate very high resolution remote sensing with UAV for biodiversity monitoring.
Natural Resources Institute Finland
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research organization operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. Luke’s task is to promote competitive business based on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources, as well as wellbeing and the vitality of the countryside. Luke resolves challenges in the sustainable and profitable use of renewable natural resources in four phenomenon-based research programs. Research accounts for approximately 70 per cent of Luke’s activities. Luke’s official duties are defined in EU and national regulations. In addition, the Statistics Act and statistical practices guide Luke’s statistical activities.
Entomologist at Luke will assist in (1) developing experimental design, (2) coordinating insect sampling, (3) data processing and analyses.

NatureMetrics
NatureMetrics is a biotechnology company established to bridge the gap between molecular ecologists and environmental managers. The company is based in the UK and Canada. With a proven track record in the provision of commercial eDNA services, NatureMetrics works in 100 different countries worldwide. We provide cutting-edge DNA analysis to monitor biodiversity and measure natural capital in the environment.
Within the project NatureMetrics leads WP2, implementing eDNA methods and helping the development of novel biomonitoring tools, indices and models for agro-ecosystems.
School of Agribusiness in Lomza
MANS, the International Academy of Applied Sciences in Lomza, is a renowned educational institution located in Lomza, Poland. With a strong focus on agribusiness and agriculture, MANS equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the agricultural sector.
MANS is a distinguished institution known for its focus on agribusiness and agriculture education. With comprehensive programs, experienced faculty, practical learning approaches, and a supportive community, MANS empowers students to make significant contributions to the agricultural sector.
MANS prioritizes practical education, offering internships, field trips, and collaborations with industry partners. These opportunities provide students with real-world experience, building a solid foundation for their future careers. The university also boasts modern facilities, including advanced laboratories, specialized research centres, libraries, and computer labs, enhancing the academic experience.
Scientific University of the South
Our University trains leaders committed to human, social and environmental development. We offer quality education for the working world, based on a personalized education and the approach to the professional environment. Our mission is to improve, care and transform lives.
Our role in the project is to test the monitoring technologies in very diverse environments, so we will assay the monitoring in arid cost monoculture fields, amazon agroforestry fields and highlands pasture fields of protected areas. We will focus on soil, insect, geospatial and socioeconomic analysis.
Space4Good B.V.
Space4Good is a team of impact-driven professionals with diverse skills and experience, dedicated to using our expertise to create positive social and environmental impact. We collaborate with NGOs, public authorities, universities, and other social enterprises to contribute to vulnerable landscapes and the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals. We are guided by our core values: innovation, partner focus, teamwork, and sustainability. Space4Good is in charge of the development of the WebGIS platform, data storage solution and biodiversity indicators.
Stiftung Universität Hildesheim
The University of Hildesheim conducts research and teaching in a wide range of subjects, including Educational and Social Sciences, Cultural Studies and Aesthetic Communication, Linguistics and Information Science, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Economics and Computer Science. The data science group at the institute of computer science has a focus on AI and machine learning. Our role in the BioMontior4CAP project is to apply such techniques to problems of biodiversity monitoring, for example for remote sensing or building predictive models of biodiversity status.
University of Helsinki
From the University of Helsinki two separate institutions are contributing. The Ruralia Institute examines sustainable development and the changing relationship between global and local issues from the perspective of rural areas. In BioMonitor4CAP, the Ruralia Institute studies farmland biodiversity from agroecological perspective and conducts stakeholder and policy analyses that clarify the agrobiodiversity perceptions of farmers, farm advisory services and agribusinesses. Research conducted in the Ruralia Institute will support agricultural change in the EU and beyond.
The Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus focuses on biodiversity, biogeography, conservation biology and systematics with a global perspective on environmental problems. In BioMonitor4CAP, Luomus will coordinate the analysis of functional diversity and ecosystem services provided by arthropods across farming practices.