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Weaving for action: Transformative change in biodiversity monitoring

  • Carol X. Garzon-Lopez*
  • , Laura M. Bellis
  • , Camilo Castillo
  • , Tahani Nadim
  • , Duccio Rocchini
  • , Koenraad Van Meerbeek
  • , Hakon Stokland
  • , Esther Turnhout
  • , Margaret Gold
  • , Anne Beaulieu
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • University of Groningen
  • Universidad Nacional de Cordoba
  • Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas
  • Universidad Nacional de Colombia
  • University of Gothenburg
  • Museum für Naturkunde - Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science
  • University of Bologna
  • Czech University of Life Sciences Prague
  • KU Leuven
  • Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
  • University of Twente
  • Leiden University

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The Post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework aims to drive transformative change to halt biodiversity loss. To track progress toward its goals and targets, a dedicated monitoring framework has been established. The current biodiversity monitoring framework relies on a set of indicators developed through a unidirectional process of data collection from local to global scales. As such, the current framework reinforces dominant views and established structures and practices, limiting its capacity to drive transformative change. In this paper, we discuss the issues the current biodiversity monitoring framework is facing and propose strategies to facilitate, promote and accelerate transformative change. We propose six strategies that enable transformative change in biodiversity monitoring by placing shared values at the core of knowledge infrastructure development. These infrastructures must leverage the potential of transformative biodiversity governance, diverse knowledge systems and emerging technologies; acknowledge the interdependence of biodiversity and society within socioecological systems; and operate across multiple scales to align with the spatiotemporal dynamics of these complex systems. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Spanish translation: Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Original languageEnglish
JournalPeople and Nature
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 13 Mar 2026
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2026 The Author(s). People and Nature published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of British Ecological Society.

Keywords

  • biodiversity data
  • biodiversity monitoring
  • knowledge infrastructures
  • knowledge systems
  • pluralism
  • relational approach
  • spatiotemporal scales
  • values

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