Species discovery, yes. But also genetic diversity
Protecting European biodiversity requires not only a detailed assessment of the species present in an ecosystem, but also a full characterization of the genetic diversity of populations. This diversity is what ultimately determines their ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in a changing world. Genomic technologies have drastically improved our ability to monitor biodiversity and guide conservation and restoration policies and actions. Biodiversity Genomics Europe plus (BGE+) builds on the scientific and technical foundations created by the Biodiversity Genomics Europe (BGE) project to accelerate the integration of genomics into European biodiversity policy and monitoring. BGE demonstrated the added value of genomics through large-scale reference genome production, DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, and population genomics case studies. Now BGE+ translates these advances into real benefits for nature and society by making genomic analyses harmonised and ready to support biodiversity policy.
Genomics boosts our ability to monitor biodiversity and guide conservation policies and actions.
BGE+ will bring together researchers, policymakers and biodiversity organisations to develop practical roadmaps for integrating DNA-based methods into biodiversity monitoring across Europe. By leveraging DNA barcoding and metabarcoding for species monitoring and whole-genome approaches for tracking genetic diversity, the project will establish standards and best practices that enable countries to generate comparable, reliable and actionable data. At the end, one of BGE+’s overarching objectives is to strengthen the link between science and policy, supporting the design of more effective conservation strategies, improving biodiversity monitoring, and providing the evidence required to protect Europe’s natural heritage for future generations.