The project is needed to transform the practices in the science-policy interface as well as to the orchestrate diversity of actors and knowledge bases to strengthen the European-level biodiversity decision-making.

Biodiversity loss threatens the health of our planet and consequently, our well-being.  Unlike climate change, biodiversity loss may not directly affect individuals' lives, making it challenging to perceive its importance. However, safeguarding biodiversity is as crucial as mitigating climate change, requiring nuanced approaches beyond technical solutions.

While there are existing platforms in the science-policy interface, BioAgora’s unique role is to bring together existing actors and knowledges and orchestrate connections between these.

The project stands out because it goes beyond traditional EU projects by co-creating together with the EU Commission and other actors a model for the improved transformative science-policy interface for Biodiversity in Europe.

The project conducts analysis and assessment of existing expertise, stakeholders, science-policy interface activities and knowledge brokering mechanisms. It develops a new kind science-policy interface which is called Science Service for biodiversity which then orchestrates expertise, responds to knowledge requests, and develops functions to meet future knowledge needs. Efforts also include capacity building at the science-policy interface and driving transformation towards mainstreaming biodiversity. Additionally, it challenges traditional science production models by constructing an inclusive science service.

The Science Service for Biodiversity is the scientific reinforcement of the European biodiversity science-policy interface. Connected to Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD), hosted by the JRC, it provides different models and services to improve interaction between policy-makers and different knowledge holders. It’s a new initiative in the science-policy interface, comprising not only a website but also various operational activities.

The future Science Service aims to be accessible for example to the European Commission, its member states, civil society actors, organizations, and private companies. The overarching objective is to establish an inclusive system.

The project is intricately linked to the EU biodiversity strategy, with a primary goal of fully enhancing its implementation. It serves as a support for strategy implementation efforts.

The project collaborates closely with different Directorates-General, most notably DG JRC, DG REA and DG ENV, as they acknowledge the need for assistance in bringing together information. In addition, the project is linked to the EU biodiversity strategy, and its funding comes from the European Commission.

BioAgora is funded with 11.8 million euros by the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program and the UK Research and Innovation.

You can join the Biodiversity Knowledge Agora, which will form a platform for efficient science policy on biodiversity. Whether you are a scientist, a researcher, a biodiversity expert working in an NGO or consultancy, or another stakeholder with relevant knowledge that may help support knowledge-based policy-making in the field of biodiversity, you are welcome to join the Biodiversity Knowledge Agora community. Join here.

If you wish to receive more information about the BioAgora project, you can contact us by sending an email to contact@bioagora.eu.