Scoping the Future of Long-Term Ecological Data for Biodiversity Action into a Collaborative Research Action (CRA)

This session is a participatory scoping workshop designed to inform the development of a Collaborative Research Action (CRA) on biodiversity, with a focus on leveraging long-term ecological data for evidence-based policy and action. Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate due to climate change, land-use change and pollution, while responses often remain fragmented, short-term and insufficiently connected to societal needs.  Hosted in Africa, the session places particular emphasis on African contexts, priorities and knowledge systems, while recognising the global nature of biodiversity challenges. Africa hosts globally significant biodiversity and diverse forms of knowledge, including Indigenous and local knowledge, yet faces rapid environmental change and uneven access to long-term data and research infrastructures.  The session will bring together researchers, funders, practitioners, infrastructure managers and non-academic partners from Africa and beyond. Through facilitated breakout discussions, participants will identify key research gaps, priority themes, data and infrastructure needs, and opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration. Discussions will be guided by orienting questions and supported by interactive formats such as brainstorming and mapping.  The primary outcome of the session is to generate concrete inputs to refine and co-design the CRA concept note and future call text. Additional outcomes include strengthened cross-sectoral networks, shared understanding of sustainability challenges, and enhanced dialogue between science, policy and society. By grounding future research investments in real needs and diverse perspectives, the session contributes to developing inclusive, innovative and impactful solutions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.