Conserving biological diversity is 'a common concern of humankind' according to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD; Rio, 1992), a global agreement which recognised, over 30 years ago, the detrimental impact that human activities can have on the natural world. Monitoring the state of nature, an important step in biodiversity conservation, has developed greatly since the introduction of the CBD. The aim of this Thematic Issue of Science for Environment Policy is to bring together the results of new technologies used for biological monitoring and the rise of citizen science initiatives which have taken it to new levels.

The articles featured are:

• Using remote sensing to map natural habitats and their conservation status: key recommendations for scientists and policymakers
• DNA barcoding strengthens biodiversity monitoring
• Remote penguins monitored using low-cost camera network
• New Natura 2000 sites can be located using indicator species method
• Citizen scientists successfully monitor bat populations
• Volunteers can help on-going monitoring efforts of coral reefs by detecting long-term changes
• How to ensure monitoring delivers effective, evidence-based conservation
• Evaluating conservation programmes: what are the best methods?

Science for Environment Policy is a free news and information service published by the European Commission’s Directorate-General Environment, which provides the latest environmental policy relevant research findings. Science for Environment Policy publishes a weekly News Alert which is delivered by email to subscribers and provides accessible summaries of key scientific studies. Thematic Issues are special editions of the News Alert which focus on a key policy area. Find out more.