The BioDT project has released a policy brief that outlines how Biodiversity Digital Twins can become key enablers of the EU’s environmental and digital ambitions. Titled "Strengthening Biodiversity Digital Twins for EU Policy Impact", the brief is now publicly accessible on Zenodo.
Rooted in a detailed analysis of EU strategies (such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, Green Deal, Data Strategy, and Climate Adaptation Plan) and validated through a dedicated co-creation workshop with the BioDT consortium, the policy brief identifies five major challenge areas that currently limit the full potential of biodiversity digital twins:
- Gaps in data generation and monitoring;
- Limited technological maturity and AI integration;
- Lack of clearly defined policy-relevant parameters;
- Insufficient data interoperability across infrastructures;
- Missed opportunities for cross-project synergies.
A Vision for Policy-Ready Digital Twins
The policy brief offers actionable recommendations for EU policymakers, including:
- Establishing a European Biodiversity Observatory to enable real-time, cross-border monitoring;
- Supporting ethical and validated AI tools to strengthen scenario modelling and risk forecasting;
- Promoting integration between BioDT, Destination Earth (DestinE), and other Research Infrastructures;
- Encouraging funding programmes that build partnerships and foster long-term sustainability.
Download the policy brief to learn more
Trust-IT’s Role
Trust-IT led the collection of policy data, analysed relevant policy documents, and prepared the structure of the policy brief.
In particular, our team was responsible for analysing the challenges and opportunities within the biodiversity landscape in Europe, defining the connection between BioDT and European policy, and providing policy recommendations in the areas of (1) data generation and monitoring, (2) current technological coverage and future opportunities, (3) identification of EU-wide policy parameters relevant to BioDT, (4) data integration between prototype Digital Twins (pDTs), research infrastructures (RIs), and DestinE, and (5) synergies with other projects.
