The BioAgora consortium has nominated 17 researchers to be BioAgora observers in the EU Biodiversity Platform (EUBP) and its sub-groups. Observers attend meetings, follow the discussion and support direct and active interaction between EUBP members and research and other knowledge holders. BioAgora observers have the following goals:
The EU Biodiversity Platform (EUBP) was set up in 2022 to provide advice to the Commission and foster cooperation for the coherent implementation of the EU BDS, the Birds Directive and Habitats Directive and other EU policy and legislation on biodiversity. The EUBP replaced the former Coordination Group for Biodiversity and Nature, established in 2008, and it has a broadened the scope of work, strengthened the representation of stakeholders and introduced a more systematic approach to engaging with relevant expert groups and similar bodies in other relevant policy areas.
Members of the EUBP are EU Member States, relevant EU institutions and DGs. In addition, stakeholders (from the economic sector, NGOs, and knowledge networks) participate as observers in compliance with the horizontal rules by direct invitation. According to the official rules, observers do not have voting rights and shall not participate in the formulation of recommendations or advice of the Platform and its sub-groups. EUBP meeting documents are publicly available at Circhub.
The main task of the EUBP is to advise the Commission on the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. The group also can – if requested by the Commission – discuss and provide evidence-based advice to initiatives and developments in other policy areas that are relevant to biodiversity. The key topics that are discussed, approved or provided by EUBP include: