Abstract ID: 3.13049 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

The Alps are a relevant biodiversity hotspot in south-central Europe. Yet, the European Alps are threatened by climate change and other anthropogenic pressures, making increased conservation efforts imperative. Achieving EU targets including EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and EU Nature Restoration Law relies on a robust cooperation among Alpine states. However, a main challenge arises from the diverse monitoring schemes and data collection protocols adopted by each Alpine country. To ensure effective conservation measures and strategies, it is essential that data are comparable and that the selected indicators adequately represent the entire elevational gradient of the Alpine region.

Currently, some of the indicators used at the European level are assessed differently between Alpine countries (e.g., Farmland Bird Index, Grassland Butterfly Index, etc.) and may not include species normally found at higher elevations (i.e., above the treeline). Furthermore, existing monitoring schemes may not be adequately designed to detect rapid changes in mountain ecosystems arising from emerging global pressures and threats. This limitation compromises data comparability and slows progress in our understanding of biodiversity status along the whole Alps.

By surveying over 250 stakeholders (e.g., research institutions, universities, protected areas, national and sub-national authorities, NGOs, etc.) across the Alpine region, we will provide preliminary insights into 1) the most common biodiversity monitoring schemes currently in use across seven alpine countries, and 2) novel and alpine-representative indicator lists for various taxonomic groups – including mammals, birds, butterflies, and plants. Additionally, we will develop guidelines to harmonize biodiversity monitoring and in-situ data collection across the Alps.

AlpsLife represents the first collaborative effort at transnational level aimed at integrating biodiversity monitoring schemes throughout the Alps. Its main goal is to develop a comprehensive strategy for data collection, storage and sharing, while effectively communicating our findings to policymakers and stakeholders, to ultimately preserve and restore alpine ecosystems.