LifeWatch ERIC in Lecce at the launch of the NBFC Biodiversity Gateway Demo Center

On 29 May 2026, the city of Lecce, home to the LifeWatch ERIC Service Centre, launches the new Demo Center of the National Biodiversity Future Center (NBFC) Biodiversity Gateway, Italy’s first national portal fully dedicated to biodiversity and coordinated by the National Research Council of Italy (CNR).

The Biodiversity Gateway seeks to build stronger relations between research institutions, local communities, schools, public administrations and businesses, fostering awareness and action around biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

In this light, the Demo Center will act as a new public space where citizens can connect with scientific research on biodiversity through immersive and interactive installation, digital storytelling and participatory experiences: a new hub for science communication and public engagement. The aim is to make complex scientific knowledge more accessible, and the project is promoted by Italy’s National Research Council (CNR), together with Regione Puglia, the Polo Biblio-Museale di Lecce, the Province of Lecce, the University of Salento, and the DHITECH technological district.

LifeWatch ERIC is attending the event, that also features a showcase of some videos from the LifeWatching Web TV Science Channel, dedicated to biodiversity, ecosystems, scientific innovation and environmental challenge. The programme includes a round table at 12.40 CEST, focused on biodiversity as a value for businesses and local communities, that aims at exploring scenarios and potential pathways for development and innovation. Prof. Alberto Basset, Director of the LifeWatch ERIC Service Centre and Full Professor of Ecology at University of Salento, will join the panel together with representatives from CNR, NBFC, Confindustria Puglia, and ISPRA.

If you are in Lecce, stop by at the Teatrino of the former Convitto Palmieri, where the new Demo Center has been established. Enjoy a few videos from LifeWatch ERIC Web TV, and stop by LifeWatch Italy’s dedicated exhibition stand, featuring the Virtual Museum of Ecosystems and Natural Environments: an online, interactive, educational platform created by LifeWatch Italy together with CNR and the University of Salento that includes thematic environments such as mountain, Arctic, coastal wetland and semi-arid ecosystems, that can be virtually explored.

“Marine SABRES in Fairs” returns to FIMAR in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Marine SABBRES in Fairs - FIMAR 2026

From 22 to 24 May 2026, LifeWatch ERIC and ULPGC-ECOAQUA (University Institute for Research in Sustainable Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems) presented the Marine SABRES project at FIMAR 2026 – Feria Internacional del Mar in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, co-organising a new event within the “Marine SABRES in Fairs” series.

Now in its 15th edition, FIMAR attracted more than 14,000 visitors over three days, offering a rich programme including commercial exhibitions, technical sessions, public talks, boat visits, nautical demonstrations, and educational activities for all audiences. Once again the fair confirmed its role as a key reference event for the blue economy in the Canary Islands.

Within this dynamic context, the Marine SABRES booth provided an interactive and engaging space where visitors could explore marine biodiversity, ecosystem conservation and restoration, and the role of research in supporting a sustainable blue economy. From the very beginning, the stand attracted a wide and diverse audience, including school students, families, young people, and curious visitors, all eager to learn more about the ocean and its ecosystems.

Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with the project through visual materials, like the documentary trailers, discussions, and hands-on experiences. One of the highlights was the demonstration of the Marine SABRES Serious Game, which received very positive and enthusiastic feedback from both younger and adult audiences. Designed as an educational tool for classrooms, the game introduces key concepts of marine biology and coastal ecology in an interactive way, sparking curiosity and encouraging learning through play.

Researchers from the ULPGC-ECOAQUA team also showcased the extraordinary biodiversity of Macaronesia, the project’s third Demonstration Area. Through scientific materials and samples, including rhodoliths, key components of valuable marine ecosystems in the Canary Islands, visitors were able to gain a deeper understanding of marine habitats and the importance of their protection and restoration.

Have a look at our photogallery, enjoy all the moments of this incredible event exploring marine biodiversity and ecosystems, sustainability and blue economy!

The next stop of “Marine SABRES in Fairs” will be Iceland, where we will join the celebrations of Fishermen’s Day on 7 June 2026, hosted by the Marine & Freshwater Research Institute. Discover more: https://www.lifewatch.eu/2026/05/29/marine-sabres-in-fairs-joins-fishermens-day-in-iceland/

For more information about the project, visit Marine SABRES official website:
www.marinesabres.eu

Invasive Alien Species in freshwater and marine environments

GuardIAS

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are animals, plants, fungi or other microorganisms that, introduced accidentally or intentionally in a different environment than their natural one, can bear serious consequences for the new environment (you can find several episodes of our Podcasts dedicated to this topic by clicking on the tag Invasive Alien Species).

Besides the negative impacts of IAS on biodiversity, ecosystem services, food security and human well-being, there is also a huge cost related to the management of these biological invasions. In addition to that, biodiversity conservation actions are often constrained by a lack of alignment between governance frameworks and the ecological reality, that operates regardless of political boundaries.

This aspect is addressed in a Policy Brief recently published by GuardIAS, a Horizon Europe project launched in 2025 that focuses on the growing threat of IAS in freshwater and marine environments.

Key points of the brief are the fragmentation of current EU invasive species policy, the inconsistencies occurring when scientific evidence and risk assessment are translated into decisions, and the barriers posed by socioeconomic drivers, trade pathways, and implementation gaps to existing regulations.

In parallel, the project team has also developed a Policy Brief on the role of biofouling, the gradual colonisation of an artificial hard substrate by a wide range of organisms, that end up developing complex three-dimensional communities. Beyond the negative impacts on operability, functionality and security of the affected systems, biofouling also carries biosecurity risks related to the introduction and spread of IAS (for example, when these organisms colonise a ship’s hull and are transported to different areas).

The authors conclude the briefs with a set of suggested solutions; if you are curious about them, find the full documents here:

In the image: a Lionfish (genus Pterois). The Lionfish is one of the 11 invasive species Case Studies of GuardIAS. Picture source: Wai Siew on Unsplash.

BEeS 2026: deadline extended for abstract submission

Deadline Extended - BEeS 2026

Originally set for 15 May 2026, the submission deadline has now been extended to 2 June 2026, offering additional time for researchers and practitioners to prepare and submit their short or long contributed sessions (10 or 15 minutes) within one of the selected topics.

The extended timeline is as follows:

  • Early submission: 15 May 2026 (evaluation by 22 May 2026)
  • Late submission: 2 June 2026

This extension aims to ensure broader participation from the biodiversity and ecosystem research community.

Participants are encouraged to take advantage of this additional time to submit abstracts for contributed presentations and be part of BEeS 2026, taking place from 7 to 10 July in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

Submit your abstract here: https://www.lifewatch.eu/bees-2026-abstract-submission.

LifeWatch ERIC Thematic Service Working Group “Modelling and Workflows” meets in Seville

Modelling and Workflows Workshop (3)

Modelling & Workflows is one of LifeWatch ERIC’s Thematic Services Working Groups, that is, groups dedicated to the implementation of activities, developments, and physical outcomes of main priority areas of e-Service construction in LifeWatch ERIC (https://www.lifewatch.eu/thematic-services-working-groups).

This Working Group is coordinated by Maria Paniw (Estación Biológica de Doñana – EBD) and Agustín Riscos Núñez (University of Seville), and has the objective to turn models into open, automated, interoperable, and scalable workflows for ecological predictions.

In fact, the group addresses the challenge posed by the huge amount of data that ecologists produce, and that comes from different sources (European RIs, national and regional monitoring schemes, and research projects).

The group works as a community that consists of computer analysts, statisticians, ecologists, economists, social scientists, and resource managers. In May, members of this community will meet in Seville to advance the development of outputs that integrate methods and strengths from each of their fields.

The event will be a chance to work hands-on to achieve the goals discussed in the preliminary WG meetings. The first day will be focused on the WG, and day 2 will be fully dedicated to the Distributed Centres.

For more information, visit: https://www.lifewatch.eu/thematic-services-working-groups/working-group-on-modelling-and-workflows

Moreover, a session on Modelling and Workflows is being organised at BEeS 2026. You are welcome to submit your abstract by 15 May! Info: https://www.lifewatch.eu/bees-2026-abstract-submission.

#NameItToSaveIt: join taxonomy recognition initiatives in Europe and the taxonomy session at BEeS

name it to save it

Taxonomy – the science behind the discovery, naming, and classification of species on Earth – lies at the very heart of our knowledge of biodiversity. It connects different biological disciplines, allowing scientists to access and exchange a wealth of information on species and their significance to humanity. It is also the foundation for understanding how to protect these species from extinction, and plan future conservation actions.

With taxonomists providing such a fundamental service, it is not surprising that various organisations seek to recognise their work. As the Taxonomy Recognition Day approaches, we would like to highlight three initiatives:

  • Taxonomy Recognition Day, May 23rd | #NameItToSaveIt:

This annual initiative is organised by the TETTRIs project, and marks the birthday of Carl Linnaeus, the father of modern taxonomy. TETTRIs is the acronym for “Transforming European Taxonomy through Training, Research and Innovation“, an EU-funded project bringing together 17 of Europe’s leading natural history museum and botanical gardens.

With this initiative, TETTRIs launches a simple but urgent message: over one million species are currently threatened with extinction, many of which still unknown to science. #NameItToSaveIt reminds us that we cannot protect what we can not name.

Last year, the initiative was joined by more than 30 institutions, reaching over 700,000 people worldwide. TETTRIs is inviting the community to join by sharing fascinating species on social media, using the #NameItToSaveIt hashtag, joining relevant events, and connecting with the project’s community: find out how to participate and read the full press release here: https://tettris.eu/2026/04/23/name-it-to-save-it.

  • WoRMS Ten Remarkable New Marine Species on World Taxonomist Appreciation Day (March 19th):

Hosted by the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ), within LifeWatch Belgium (the Distributed Centre of LifeWatch ERIC), WoRMS is the World Register of Marine Species.

Every year, WoRMS honours the World Taxonomist Appreciation Day by releasing its annual list of the top-ten marine species described by researchers in the previous year.

The top-ten list is just a small highlight of an average of 2,000 new marine species discovered every year by 350 taxonomists contributing WoRMS globally. In 2025 this number even reached 2,600, including over 600 fossil species.

The final decisions reflect the immense diversity of taxonomic groups in the marine environment (including nematodes, isopods, tunicates and polychaetes) and highlight some of the challenges facing the marine environment today. If you are curious about the final candidates, read the full press release here: https://www.marinespecies.org/worms-top-ten/2025/press-release

  • Join the BEeS 2026 contributed session on Taxonomy!

BEeS 2026 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem eScience Conference), is LifeWatch ERIC’s flagship event, bringing together scientists and experts in biodiversity and ecosystem science. This year’s programme is complemented by contributed sessions aligned with LifeWatch ERIC’s Thematic Services Working Groups, focusing on practical methods, workflows, and service-enabled science.

The session on Taxonomy is based on the activities of the corresponding Working Group, addressing reliable naming, linking, and integration of observations and datasets. It focuses on assessing the state of taxonomy-related services, how well they align with community needs, and what priorities should guide further integration and improvement within LifeWatch ERIC. We welcome abstracts submissions by the 15th of May!

To read more about the session and submit your abstract, visit this page: https://www.lifewatch.eu/bees-2026-abstract-submission

Image source: TETTRIs

Marine SABRES in Fairs in Gran Canaria at FIMAR 2026

Marine SABRES Fairs - FIMAR 2026

Marine SABRES in Fairs will make its next stop in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on May 22-24, 2026, where LifeWatch ERIC and ULPGC-ECOAQUA will co-organise a series event at FIMAR 2026 – Feria Internacional del Mar, showcasing the project’s results and resources.

Now in its 15th edition, FIMAR is a well-established regional reference event for professionals in the nautical and marine-maritime sector and a key driver of the Blue Economy in the Canary Islands. This year’s theme, “Outermost Regions and the Sea”, highlights the strategic role of these territories in marine innovation, sustainable development, and Atlantic cooperation. The event is promoted by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and the Port Authority of Las Palmas, and organised by Infecar Feria de Gran Canaria and Ciudad de Mar.

FIMAR offers a rich and diverse programme combining commercial exhibitions, technical sessions, scientific outreach, and educational and recreational activities for all audiences, including families. It provides an important platform for companies and professionals to exchange knowledge and explore new opportunities, while also enabling marine and coastal researchers to raise public awareness about marine ecosystems and environmental protection.

Within this dynamic context, LifeWatch ERIC and ULPGC-ECOAQUA will welcome visitors at their exhibition booth, where participants will be able to discover the Marine SABRES project through posters, brochures, thematic videos, and documentary materials.

Building on its continued success, the latest edition attracted more than 18,000 visitors, including local residents of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, tourists, and participants from across Spain and Europe. This will be an opportunity to interact with experts, explore innovative approaches to marine sustainability, and discover how Marine SABRES contributes to turning knowledge into action.

For more information about the project, please visit Marine SABRES official website: www.marinesabres.eu

Watch our documentary trailers on LifeWatching.tv: https://www.lifewatching.tv/tv-show/marine-sabres/

Project GREENCOOP: Green Transition through Cooperation models

GREENCOOP Project Iria

The GREENCOOP Project (https://www.lifewatch.eu/greencoop) is designed to revitalise rural areas, by integrating Agroecology and Digital Innovations (ADIs), into novel Rural Communities Business Models (RCBMs). The project started at the end of 2025 and will last for 4 years, bringing together Living Labs from Europe and China into a hybrid network of Rural Innovation Business Communities.

The main ambition of GREENCOOP is to foster the agroecology and digital transition of EU and China farm systems, and use the RCBMs to integrate, interconnect, and make them adaptable to different contexts, boosting and accelerating the adoption rates of ADIs by farmers within the new RCBM.

LifeWatch ERIC leads Work Package 2, with the objective to diagnose the territory, design the Agroecological Digital Demonstrators and generate a data infrastructure that integrates information from the ADIs.

Iria Soto, Senior Scientific Manager at LifeWatch ERIC, has recently talked about this in a short interview published by GREENCOOP: watch the video here!

Harmonising vegetation structure metrics across Europe through Large-scale airborne LiDAR processing

LiDAR

From 11 to 13 March 2026, LifeWatch ERIC was involved in a three-day technical workshop on large-scale airborne LiDAR processing for vegetation structure analysis.

The event was hosted at SustainaLab (University of Amsterdam), and organised by W. Daniel Kissling, Yifang Shi, and Jinhu Wang as part of the EU-funded Mambo Project (Modern Approaches to the Monitoring of BiOdiversity), an initiative that develops remote-sensing and AI-based tools to improve biodiversity monitoring across Europe. LifeWatch ERIC, the Netherlands eScience Center, and SURF contributed their expertise to the event programme.

Over the three days, the event brought together 21 researchers, data scientists, and remote sensing specialists working across ecology, forestry, and Earth observation. LifeWatch ERIC VLIC members Zhiming Zhao, Koen Greuell, and Gabriel Pelouze participated with the presentation “Notebook-as-a-VRE (NaaVRE): a virtual research environment” (Zhiming Zhao) and a hands-on practical session “Laserfarm in NaaVRE” (Gabriel Pelouze, Koen Greuell).

The practical trainings focused on running Laserfarm workflows on HPC infrastructure, using NaaVRE for LiDAR processing, extracting vegetation structure metrics in Google Colab or local Jupyter environments, and delineating individual trees from 3D LiDAR point clouds.

The final discussions explored how to harmonise vegetation structure metrics across Europe, and laid the groundwork for developing a roadmap for large-scale airborne LiDAR processing that supports biodiversity monitoring, forest analysis, and ecosystem research. Participants shared the common goal of moving from local LiDAR processing, to reproducible and scalable workflows.

The event was also an opportunity for LifeWatch ERIC to gather feedback to further improve NaaVRE, especially in terms of scalability, of the ability to customise configurations, support for deep learning models, and overall flexibility and user experience.

To read more about this workshop, visit the official event page: https://www.mambo-project.eu/events/workshop-large-scale-and-scalable-processing-airborne-lidar-vegetation-structure-analysis

Picture from LinkedIn

Animal movement, behaviour, and biologging session at the 7th WCMB.

Animal movement

Animal movement, behaviour, and biologging, is one of LifeWatch ERIC’s Thematic Services Working Groups, networks of Common Facilities and Distributed Centres members, coordinated by the Service Centre.

These WGs implement activities, developments, and physical outcomes of the RI’s Thematic Services in 8 key priority areas (with more to come). Among these, animal tracking is the practice of monitoring and studying animal movements and behaviour in their natural environment from a distance, across spatial and temporal scales, using a suit of tools and technologies.

This practice provides as an advantage the possibility to gather robust data over extended temporal periods and regardless of challenging conditions, with minimal environmental disturbance or interference with the animal behaviour. What makes animal tracking a priority area for LifeWatch ERIC, is the fact that it can offer information about the biology and ecology of organisms that is crucial to establish conservation framework and regulations, and to make predictions on the animals adaptation to human activities.

Jan Reubens (Flanders Marine Institute), Coordinator of this WG, is co-convening a session with Pieterjan Verhelst (Research Institute for Nature and Forest) in occasion of the 7th World Conference on Marine Biodiversity (Bruges, Belgium, 17-20 November 2026).

The Animal movement, behaviour, and biologging panel collects works that offer practical examples and insights on tracking fish with acoustic transmitters, following bird migrations with GPS tags, assessing wildlife presence with camera traps, monitoring presence of marine mammals with passive acoustics, and more.

The session (see 7.3 on this page) falls under the scope of Theme 7 of the conference (together with other five ones). The theme, titled Taking the pulse of the ocean: measuring the current marine biodiversity state and how it impacts us, is open to monitoring programs, networks and activities, to share history, progress, status and lessons learnt. Particular attention is given to the impact of these works on the knowledge of the marine environment, and to data interoperability.

Follow the updates on the programme and read more on the 7th WCMB page: https://www.wcmb2026.org/7-Taking-the-pulse-of-the-ocean-measuring-the-current-marine-biodiversity-state-and-how-it-impacts-us.