Enhancing Natural Value through Improved Regional Development Policies

Overview: The BID-REX project, funded by the Interreg Europe programme, aimed to bridge the gap between biodiversity data and decision-making processes to promote environmentally friendly development across Europe. By involving partners from Belgium, Hungary, Italy, Slovenia, Spain, and the UK, the project sought to enhance the conservation of natural heritage and support sustainable economic growth at both regional and European levels. Through an interactive interregional learning process, BID-REX linked biodiversity information with conservation decision-making, resulting in the development of action plans to inform public policy. European Commission

Objectives:

1. Improve Policy Instruments: Enhance regional development policies to better integrate biodiversity information, thereby increasing the impact of European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) allocations on the preservation of Europe’s natural heritage.
2. Facilitate Knowledge Exchange: Promote interregional learning through workshops, conferences, and visits to explore and exchange best practices in biodiversity conservation.
3. Develop Action Plans: Create tailored action plans for each participating region to implement lessons learned and improve policy instruments related to biodiversity conservation.

Key Features:

• Thematic Workshops: Organized events covering topics such as decision-makers’ information needs, matching information to needs, improving data flows, and developing regional plans.
• Best Practices Database: Compilation of successful practices, including habitat cartography in Catalonia and a nature information system from the Basque Country, accessible through the project website.
• Local Group Engagement: Regular meetings with local groups to identify useful tools and ensure the applicability of action plans in each region.

Target Audience:

• Regional Authorities: Policymakers responsible for regional development and environmental conservation.
• Biodiversity Data Providers: Organizations and institutions that collect and manage biodiversity information.
• Conservation Practitioners: Individuals and groups involved in implementing biodiversity conservation initiatives.

Impact:

• Enhanced Decision-Making: Improved access to relevant and structured biodiversity information for decision-makers, leading to more robust and effective conservation strategies.
• Policy Improvements: Development and implementation of action plans in participating regions, resulting in better integration of biodiversity considerations into regional development policies.
• Increased Awareness: Raised awareness among policymakers and stakeholders about the importance of incorporating biodiversity data into decision-making processes.

Additional Resources: For more information, visit the BID-REX project page on Interreg Europe.

Video Resource: For a visual overview of the project's initiatives and impacts, you can watch the following video:

BID-REX - sharing knowledge on biodiversity data for decision-making