ICTS Doñana joins RIOBIC, the Ibero-American network for Biodiversity Monitoring and Global Change
Experts from across Ibero-America gathered in Brasília to establish the framework for the Ibero-American Network of Biodiversity and Global Change Observatories (RIOBIC).
The Doñana Biological Reserve Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructure (ICTS Doñana), managed by the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) has been selected as the coordinating entity of the Ibero-American Network of Biodiversity and Global Change Observatories (RIOBIC). This initiative, promoted by the Ibero-American Program for Science and Technology for Development (CYTED), aims to create a network of field infrastructures for biodiversity monitoring and research across Ibero-America. The network will enable long-term monitoring of wildlife and ecological processes within the context of global change.
An International Effort for Biodiversity Conservation
From March 17 to 19, 2025, the launch meeting of RIOBIC has taken place in Brasilia, bringing together experts from across Ibero-America to define the network's operational structure and establish its first lines of action. In this context, ICTS-Doñana, with its extensive experience in wildlife and ecosystem monitoring in Doñana, will contribute its expertise to strengthen this international network.
RIOBIC has been created in response to the growing need for solid scientific data to improve biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources. The network aims to establish a collaborative framework for ecological research in Ibero-America, fostering an interdisciplinary and multinational approach to assess the impacts of environmental changes at various scales.
A Project with Impact on Protected Ecosystem Management
The RIOBIC initiative is based on the discussions and conclusions of the Ibero-American Biodiversity Forum CYTED, held in San José, Costa Rica, in October 2024. This forum highlighted the urgent need for a network of research infrastructures capable of generating high-quality scientific data to enhance biodiversity management and ecosystem resilience in the face of global change challenges.
Ibero-America is home to some of the world's richest biodiversity, yet it faces increasing threats from habitat degradation, climate change, and human pressures. RIOBIC will enhance monitoring and management capabilities in protected areas, facilitating the integration of scientific data into policymaking and conservation strategies. Additionally, the network will support the training of researchers and technicians, encourage the exchange of expertise among its various nodes, and improve access to research infrastructures across the region.
ICTS-Doñana: Committed to International Scientific Cooperation
The Doñana Biological Reserve, one of Europe’s most significant sites for biodiversity research, boasts advanced research infrastructure and a long history of monitoring key ecological processes. ICTS-Doñana has extensive experience in species and ecosystem monitoring in this ecologically valuable yet increasingly threatened area. With the goal of sharing its expertise and learning from other experiences, ICTS-Doñana has expressed interest in joining RIOBIC as a network node and has been selected to coordinate its initial phase.
As part of RIOBIC, ICTS-Doñana will contribute its expertise in monitoring indicator and key species in the Iberian Peninsula, using cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, bioacoustics, and environmental DNA analysis. Additionally, it will play a crucial role in assessing the effects of global change on ecosystems and their services. This effort will generate high-quality scientific knowledge, supporting informed decision-making for biodiversity conservation across Ibero-America.
Javier Bustamante, deputy director of ICTS Doñana: “RIOBIC is founded on the principle that collaborative research is essential to tackling global change challenges. Its launch marks a milestone in the integration of scientific knowledge in Ibero-America, strengthening the region’s role in the global biodiversity and sustainability agenda. ICTS-Doñana’s participation in this network reinforces its commitment to international cooperation in conservation and ecological monitoring.”
About ICTS Doñana
ICTS-Doñana, part of the Doñana Biological Station – CSIC, is Europe's largest field laboratory and a key research facility for the scientific community. It supports research in Doñana, generating critical information for the effective management and conservation of this protected area. It serves as a unique site for studying ecology, evolution, biodiversity conservation, and the impacts of global change.
This infrastructure provides accommodation, laboratories, equipment, office space, and scientific, technical, and logistical support for researchers. Access projects are approved by the ICTS-Doñana Access Committee.
The Singular Scientific and Technical Infrastructures (ICTS) are unique, high-level research facilities conducting cutting-edge investigations. They act as centers for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and innovation promotion. These publicly owned infrastructures are recognized by Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities and are open to competitive access. There are currently 29 ICTS in Spain, each evaluated by an advisory committee every four years.