Our work

BioFresh will build a freshwater biodiversity information platform to bring together, and make publicly available, the vast amount of information on freshwater biodiversity currently scattered among a wide range of databases.

Download our information flyer, a general presentation about the project and our newsletter for more information in the news & event section.

The BioFresh approach

A major challenge is to complement the existing databases on freshwater biodiversity and distribution patterns, along with strict quality controls, to consent the continuous integration of new data. Within BioFresh, these data will be linked with geographical and socio-economic information. By developing just such a universally accessible information platform, BioFresh will foster our understanding of present freshwater biodiversity and changes expected for the future.

BioFresh in the Policy – Science Interface

BioFresh will use existing data to build predictive models of biodiversity change in order to support a broad diversity of critical needs in freshwater biodiversity management and conservation. Combining the construction of the portal with scientific research ensures an optimised product for use. Ultimately, the interoperable datasets, together with geospatial visualisation tools and predictive models, will be made freely accessible through the web portal, forming the kernel of an unprecedented global information tool to all decision makers, stakeholders and users in freshwater biodiversity.

The project is divided in 8 work packages.

Work package 1
Building the Web-Based Freshwater Biodiversity Information Platform

Work package 2 & 3
Quality Control, Database Preparation and Evaluation, Gap Analyses

Work package 4
Contemporary and Past Patterns in Freshwater Biodiversity

Work package 5
Climate Change Impact on Freshwater Biodiversity

Work package 6
Response of Biodiversity to Multiple Stressors

Work package 7
Informing Policy for Conservation Planning

Work package 8
Capacity Building, Awareness Raising, Dissemination and Science-Policy Dialogue