Farmland biodiversity monitoring in Europe: Germany

Publication date: 17-08-2026
Extent: 34 pages

Contributions by: Christian Levers, Damien Finn, Sebastian Klimek, Demetra Rakosy, Wiebke Sickel and Jens Dauber, Thünen Institute of Biodiversity, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Germany; Andrea Ackermann and Norbert Röder, Thünen Institute of Rural Studies, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Germany; Anna F. Cord, University of Bonn, Germany; Stefan Erasmi and Marcel Schwieder, Thünen Institute of Farm Economics, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Germany; Burkhard Golla and Tanja Rottstock, Julius Kühn-Institute (JKI), Federal Research Center for Cultivated Plants, Germany; Sophie Ogan, Coordination Unit Climate, Soil, Biodiversity, Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute, Federal Research Institute for Rural Areas, Forestry and Fisheries, Germany; and Johanna Wider and Monika Winkler, Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), Information and Coordination Centre for Biological Diversity (IBV), Germany

Chapter synopsis:

Germany lacks a standardised and coordinated farmland biodiversity monitoring framework. However, several independent and heterogeneous programmes generate datasets for farmland-related biodiversity assessments. These programmes have limitations, including limited taxonomic coverage, lack of long-term trends, and insufficient data on agricultural land use/management, affecting the early detection of declining ecosystem conditions. MonViA, launched in 2019, is a nationwide, representative, and science-based framework that addresses key gaps in farmland biodiversity monitoring, aiming to develop monitoring concepts and indicators for agri-environmental policy for Germany. MonViA complements existing monitoring programmes with its farmland focus, national-level indicators on habitat, species, and genetic diversity, and modular design. The chapter outlines key steps towards an integrated farmland biodiversity monitoring in Germany through improved survey designs, novel survey methods, and advancements in data management, access, and integration. Strengthening farmland biodiversity monitoring and integrating it into policy and practice is urgently needed for supporting effective conservation and land-management decisions.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2027.0178.04