HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage Looking for consortium – Expertise in species decline analysis and evidence-based conservation solutions

The Biodiversity and Bioindicators (BiBio) research group, based in Granollers (Catalonia, Spain), is looking to contribute its expertise to a consortium preparing a proposal for HORIZON-CL6-2026-01-BIODIV-02-two-stage: Open topic. Uncovering the causes of specific species’ rapid decline and exploring actionable solutions. BiBio has more than two decades of experience generating high-quality biodiversity data through long-term monitoring networks and citizen-science programmes, covering taxonomic groups such as butterflies, bats, small mammals, and other indicator species. These datasets enable robust assessments of species trends at regional and national scales. BiBio specialises in identifying the ecological, climatic and land-use drivers behind population declines, combining field observations, remote-sensing information and spatially explicit analytical tools. The group is well positioned to provide a complete diagnostic framework for understanding rapid species decline. This includes evaluating climate impacts, habitat loss and fragmentation, changes in land management, agricultural intensification, invasive species pressures and other cumulative stressors. BiBio can support mechanistic modelling, risk assessments and the definition of early-warning indicators for vulnerable species. Beyond diagnosis, BiBio is strongly committed to applied conservation. The team works closely with environmental authorities and nature managers to co-design and test mitigation and restoration measures. This may include habitat enhancement, ecological connectivity improvement, changes in land-use practices, and community-powered monitoring approaches that strengthen local stewardship. BiBio’s long-standing experience with citizen science also allows it to mobilise the public and stakeholders around conservation solutions and accelerate data collection. BiBio can contribute in: (i) long-term time-series datasets on indicator taxa; (ii) rigorous analyses to uncover drivers of decline; (iii) frameworks for multi-factor impact assessment; (iv) validated conservation interventions; and (v) strong connections with regional conservation agencies. BiBio’s integrated approach (from diagnosis to actionable solutions) makes the group an ideal partner for consortia aiming to halt the rapid decline of species and implement evidence-based, scalable conservation strategies. Projects related to this area of expertise include CBMS, Bat Monitoring programme, Common Small Mammals Monitoring Programme (SEMICE) and Dormouse Project. For more detailed information, take a look at the website: https://www.bibio.org/