High-throughput biodiversity monitoring workshop - from camera trap data and eDNA sample to data in GBIF
27-29 May | Barcelona, Spain
The way we record and monitor biodiversity is rapidly changing. With tools such as camera traps, passive acoustic devices and eDNA, we can record biodiversity across previously data-poor taxonomic groups in unprecedented detail at large scales. However, this innovation comes with its own practical challenges, such as the placement and use of new technology and the analysis of large volumes of data with AI technology. The Biodiversity Meets Data (BMD) project will host a three-day hands-on workshop for Natura 2000 site managers and EU conservation practitioners who want to upskill to use these transformative new monitoring and AI analysis tools.
Running from 27 to 29 May 2026 in Barcelona (ES), the workshop will provide practical experience and training in biodiversity recording using tools focused on the detection of species listed under the Habitats and Birds Directives, the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, including:
- Camera traps with Artificial Intelligence (AI) species identification
- Environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling with Artificial Intelligence (AI) species identification
- Publishing your biodiversity data to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
There are 30 places available for participants. We expect to receive more applications than the workshop can accommodate. You can express your interest in joining the workshop via this online form. Expressions of interest are welcome until the 31st of March 2026, the BMD team will then select 30 participants to join the workshop.
While the workshop itself is free to attend, travel and accommodation costs won’t be reimbursed, in principle.
What will the workshop involve?
Who should attend?
- Natura 2000 site managers;
- Conservation practitioners;
- Researchers monitoring biodiversity of Europe's protected areas;
- Representatives of authorities and organisations responsible for biodiversity monitoring and reporting;
Please use the online form to tell us about yourself and your data needs, and to express your interest in attending. We hope to see you in Barcelona!
Additional information
The BMD workshop is free to attend and is intended for managers or organisations that are responsible for the monitoring of biodiversity in Natura 2000 sites and are interested in using high-throughput state-of-the-art methodologies. Organisations that are already working with camera traps can, if they wish, bring their own dataset to be analysed in the ARISE DSI portal.
Food, refreshments and transit to the field trip location during the workshop are covered by BMD. Should you need support to cover the other costs of accessing this workshop (i.e. accommodation, travel to Barcelona), please contact Teresa Calafat Pla at teresa.calafatpla@naturalis.nl, who will discuss with you options to enable your participation. Limited funding within the BMD project to enable participation will be targeted towards priority groups.
If you cannot attend this workshop, but would like to stay informed of future BMD activities, you can subscribe to our newsletter and join our stakeholder network.
