Eindrapportage nlbif2022.015 - The biodiversity of the Balkans in GBIF

The project set out to support the mobilisation of biodiversity data from the Balkans, with an initial goal to publish between 144,000 and 250,000 records from this region. The project plan included engaging specialists across various taxa from five countries and offering practical training sessions on preparing and publishing biodiversity data. This approach aimed to promote data collection, digitisation, standardisation, and publication practices.

The project aimed to publish at least 175,000 records by its conclusion, achieving a 10% increase in the available biodiversity data from the Balkans.

By the project’s final reporting, 1,441,356 records on the Balkan’s biodiversity had been published, which presents an increase of 89% in the biodiversity data in the GBIF. It includes occurrence data on mammals and birds from Bulgaria, former Yugoslavia, Montenegro and Albania.

Specialists from Bulgaria, Serbia, Romania, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Albania were informed, trained at various levels, and actively involved in data publishing.