The GUARDEN System is a suite of Decision Support Applications (DSAs) designed for biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem service assessment. Each DSA corresponds to a specific case study and integrates multiple GUARDEN tools, MINKA, Pl@ntNet, GeoPl@ntNet, Landscape Dynamics Maps, and Ecosystem Services Analyses, together with external sources such as GBIF. Through biodiversity monitoring data integration, predictive analytics, and a user-friendly interface, the DSAs allow users to explore species distributions, ecosystem indicators, and spatial trends. This integration helps stakeholders gain a holistic understanding of ecosystem services, biodiversity loss, and its drivers, and to assess the ecological and societal implications of different planning scenarios.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- To raise awareness and possibly influence policy
Environmental agencies, research institutions, and policymakers interested in testing or adopting the GUARDEN Decision Support Applications (DSAs) for biodiversity and ecosystem service monitoring.
- EU and Member State Policy-makers
- Research and Technology Organisations
- Academia/ Universities
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
While there are no immediate plans for further technical development beyond the project’s scope, the knowledge and experience gained will serve as a foundation for potential future initiatives. Any refinements or extensions of the system will be assessed in the context of new research opportunities or industry-driven needs, ensuring alignment with emerging trends and funding possibilities.
The modular architecture of the GUARDEN DSAs, built on REST APIs and WMS services, ensures high scalability. New datasets, analytical modules, or case studies can be integrated without structural changes. Because data are dynamically fetched from open sources such as GBIF, MINKA, and Pl@ntNet, the system can expand to new regions and user groups with minimal configuration.
The GUARDEN DSAs can be easily replicated beyond the initial four pilot sites. Their standards-based design allows redeployment in other geographic or institutional contexts by connecting to alternative WMS layers or region-specific datasets following the same data model. This flexibility supports reuse in new decision-making, research, or policy environments.
The DSAs will remain available after project completion, ensuring continued accessibility. Built with open standards and relying on freely available biodiversity data sources, the system can be maintained and extended through future projects and partnerships. This open, modular architecture supports long-term sustainability, innovation, and alignment with EU biodiversity and Green Deal objectives.
- Europe
