Demonstrate with policy-relevant use-cases the benefit of an end-to-end approach for biodiversity monitoring (WP4)

The objectives of the WP are:

• To design and implement the digital replica (scientific representation) of real biodiversity systems through the implementation of a number of “demonstrator” use cases (DUC), bringing together interfaces for data, model and algorithm flow into the DTO which have been (or currently are being) developed in the context of several relevant projects.  
• To design and implement the biodiversity component of the Digital Twin by identifying all the steps from the data source and the conversion of data into products, to their potential application in a range of ecosystem management and policy challenges.  
• To document and fill the remaining data, model, algorithm, and service gaps necessary to achieve an end-to-end approach in the DTO  
• To create new knowledge on the interplay between biodiversity trends and impacts through innovative combinations of existing data streams and analytical tools, including statistical and mechanistic models as well as artificial intelligence approaches to support progress towards EU biodiversity goals 

Key Tasks

In order to successfully achieve the goals that have been outlined in Work Package 4, a series of tasks will be undertaken.

• Demonstrator use cases (DUC) development and implementation to provide an end-to-end approach for biodiversity monitoring through the digital environment. Seven DUCS will be designed in close collaboration with scientific and end-user networks. These DUC will be implemented by integrating data and analysis services in a scientifically meaningful way into the DTO infrastructure.  
• Identifying and filling gaps in order to incorporate and integrate new data sources into existing models and analytical resources. WP4 will identify gaps in data flow and analytical services (or in their integration into products), collect the missing data through analysis of existing data, sleeping data and operating monitoring networks (WP2), as well as specify missing digital resources and data systems (together with WP3). A development of the missing analytical resources or other types of infrastructural components will be carried out in collaboration with WP5.
• Knowledge creation through the use of the digital solutions to represent reality and forecast future scenarios: the aim is to deliver (with the DUC) predictive knowledge on interactions between human activities, climate change and essential components and processes of marine biodiversity through complex pipelines of the analytical process, including modelling operations, properly orchestrated:  (i) real-world tests of the DTO infrastructure; (ii) extensive model outputs which cover a large geographic and taxonomic range; (iii) showcases for potential new application areas.  
• Evidence-based knowledge delivery in support of policy making and implementation to convert results into products or outputs for high-level stakeholders and end users (who are involved in the design phase) to solve “what if” questions  for management and mitigation  , as well as to be used by monitoring networks, researchers and citizen scientists. 

Key expected outcomes 

• Re-usable data access tools and models;
• Identification & impact of data gaps on functioning of DTO;
• Demonstrator use case descriptions;
• Digital twin digital resources specifications;
• Demonstrator use case results in DT facility;  
• Demonstrator use case exploitation report; 
• DUC delivering new knowledge on biodiversity status &  pressures impacts