Biodiversity loss has been among the central topics in public, policy, and scientific debate for several decades. While its accelerating pace and impacts are well recognised, translating the vast amounts of biodiversity data into reliable indicators that can inform policy remains a challenge, requiring considerable time and technical effort. To help address this, the EU project B-Cubed developed automated and interoperable data pipelines that were tested via case studies.

Standardising biodiversity data

Since its beginning in March 2023, B-Cubed has been developing a service on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) that creates “species occurrence cubes”. Users can thus turn vast amounts of species occurrence data – for example, occurrences of Bombus humilis in Belgium between 2012–2022 – into custom data cubes. This supports consistent indicator reporting and efficient assessment of biodiversity change for decision-making. Using these biodiversity data cubes, indicators can be derived that distil complex multidimensional data into meaningful measures of biodiversity status and trends.

Turning data into actionable insights

The generated indicators range from species occupancy trends and biological invasion assessments to advanced metrics like phylogenetic diversity loss. With them, biodiversity can be monitored and recalculated at all times, allowing for a timely response to dynamic threats like invasive species or climatic events. After data has been analysed with the help of these indicators, it can be delivered to policymakers through reports, dashboards, and policy-relevant indicators. It can also help visualise and correct for the pervasive problem of differences in species detectability and survey effort.

Indicator information can be expanded with the help of modelled cubes. They allow for early warnings and improved management planning by linking biodiversity observations to other environmental factors, such as ecological processes, species invasions, or community reorganisation.

What’s next?

To ensure reproducibility and long-term use, B-Cubed leaves behind comprehensive and user-friendly documentation, tutorials, and technical resources. They can be used not only by data scientists and researchers, but also by current and future biodiversity initiatives, aiming to incorporate data cubes and pipelines in their workflows.

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This project receives funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme (ID No 101059592). Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the EU nor the EC can be held responsible for them.