National Biodiversity Platforms

1. National Biodiversity Platforms Link to EPBRS Goals • discuss, develop & share strategies to develop and implement bio- diversity research • ensure that biodiversity research across Europe is relevant to policy • ensure that scientific knowledge is communicated to legislators and other potential users Co-operation The effectiveness of EPBRS increases when it can collaborate with national platforms whose aims are similar: • develop a national biodiversity research strategy • promote research that responds to policy requirements

2. OBJECTIVES • Fields to be covered: Research/ Policy/ Implementation/ Conservation • Criteria: Applicable to real life technical, social, ... isues National Biodiversity Platforms Characteristics Character • Network • Federal Body • Working Group • Research Programme Objectives • Information Exchange • Research Coordination • Support of interdisciplinary research • Promotion & facilitation of policy & research • Creation of a nationwide network of biodiversity experts • Promoting of knowledge of biological diversity • Conservation of biological diversity • Applicable to real life • Technical, social, juridical & economic issues Target Groups • Researchers • Authorities • Landowners • The public • Representatives in the Programme Committee  MOTIVATION, HISTORY & EXPERIENCES Links to Conventions • CBD/ CHM • BAPs • Natura 2000? • WFD? Links to Research programmes • 6th FP • DIVERSITAS • IBOY • GLORIA

3. National Biodiversity Platforms Questions Do we have anything in common? • Databases - researchers • Databases - projects • Databases - representatives in other bodies • Services • Goals What should we have in common? • Contribution to EPBRS deliverables • Deliver EPBRS outputs on a national level • Contribution to SWGs • Services • Goals How do national goals and EPBRS goals correspond?

4. National Biodiversity Platforms Aims & objectives of national platforms Research level • help to identify biodiversity research questions of high priority for the 21st century • define a national biodiversity research strategy • build & implement interdisciplinary research programmes that involve natural & social scientists • help to ensure that national biodiversity activities are linked to international ones Strategic & communication level • encourage better European cohesion in biodiversity research • improve & ensure the exchange of information between national researchers & policy makers (e.g. transfer knowledge locally, regionally and through EPBRS throughout Europe • bring out the strong points of national research efforts

5. National Biodiversity Platforms Pamphlet on National Platforms Target audience Members of the EPBRS Purpose Baseline description of the form & functions of national biodiversity research platforms Author Initiative of the EPBRS, which set up a specialised working group Remarks Dr Martin Sharman Post: European Commission Office: LX46 2/74 B-1049 Brussels, Belgium Research DG DI-2 Global change Geographic address: Rue Luxembourg 46 Fax: (+32) 2 299 57 55 Phone: (+32) 2 295 97 98 email: martin.sharman@cec.eu.int

6. National Biodiversity Platforms Special BioPlatform Workshop on National Platforms Objectives Learning Tools Needs on a national level Exchange of experiences • learn about strong and week points • learn more about the specific situation of the host country/ case study country • strategic approach for making more use out of EPBRS instruments (declarations, SWGs) • Synergies between National Platforms • Learn more about communication EPBRS needs Using a case study Synergies Instruments Stakeholder involvement Capacity Building for launching new national Platforms