The BEeS – Biodiversity and Ecosystem e-Science Conference (https://www.lifewatch.eu/bees-2025) is LifeWatch ERIC’s flagship event, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and experts to tackle today’s environmental challenges with a special focus on biodiversity and ecosystem. The 2025 edition took place in Heraklion, Greece, hosted by the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), and the Institute of Marine Biology, Biotechnology and Aquaculture (IMBBC). This year’s theme focused on the Triple Planetary Crisis (climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution). Through an agenda spanning thematic services, research presentations, and hands-on demonstrations, BEeS 2025 highlighted the role of technology, data, e-Science, and especially collaboration among European Research Infrastructures in addressing the environmental crisis.
The agenda covered six main topics based on LifeWatch ERIC’s Thematic Services Working Groups: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Responses to Climate Change, Taxonomy, Habitat Mapping, Animal Movement and Biologging, Biodiversity Observatory Automation, and Biogeography. Alongside oral contributions, posters, training sessions, and networking opportunities, the event included a joint, closed-door workshop that culminated in the signing of the “Crete Declaration”, a Declaration of Intent between Europe’s (e-)infrastructures, organisations, and projects dedicated to the functioning of our biosphere. Together, they committed to advancing the One Health approach by sharing data and expertise, co-developing innovative solutions, and promoting evidence-based policies.
Enjoy this short video summarising the conference and featuring highlights from our keynote speakers.
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