Implementation of BioMONITec research project to assess effective biodiversity monitoring techniques in protected areas

BioMONITec aims to improve biodiversity monitoring techniques in protected areas worldwide

Species conservation takes a new track with research on high-tech automated monitoring strategies.

The BioMONITec project has successfully launched at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences! Part of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas research programme, this three-year project will establish a resource bank for managers of conservation areas. We are testing state-of-the-art technologies for comparison with historical standard tools. Among the outputs, a biodiversity monitoring guideline will be produced by our interdisciplinary team in collaboration with an international panel of experts. The guideline will highlight key considerations of a monitoring programme, including recommendations of tools and methodologies for different environments. Academic programmes at CUAS will additionally be established and updated with new findings.

Interested parties are encouraged to participate in production of the guideline. Please contact us if you have questions or suggestions.

Our project team comprises a diverse mix of backgrounds and ecological expertise under direction of the geographer and ecologist, Michael Jungmeier. Kathrin Pascher is a vegetation ecologist with a background in microbiology, zoology and genetics. Klaus Steinbauer has specialized knowledge in statistics and software development, with monitoring expertise in alpine habitats. Vanessa Berger has extensive professional experience in data analysis and use of high-tech ecological devices. Daniel Dalton is an insect ecologist with a professional background in integrated pest management. We were joined at the project kick-off meeting by representatives of the CUAS GeoIT Team, Karl-Heinrich Anders, Gernot Paulus, and Dariia Strelnikova.

Coming soon: an interactive checklist that will help managers of conservation areas select appropriate techniques based on site factors.