Integrated GUARDEN System

Decision Support Applications (DSAs)

The GUARDEN Integrated Decision Support Application (DSA) is a comprehensive platform designed to support environmental monitoring and decision-making. Tailored to meet the specific needs of each case study, the DSA integrates multiple data sources and analytical tools to provide stakeholders with actionable insights into biodiversity and ecosystem services. Key functionalities include the integration of citizen science observations through the MINKA API, detailed plant plot surveys via Pl@ntNet, access to ecological indicators and species predictions from GeoPl@ntNet, landscape dynamics assessments to monitor changes in land use and habitat structure over time, and the incorporation of acoustic monitoring results from AvesEcho to assess avian biodiversity. It also presents maps and data resulting from the ecosystem services analyses and future scenarios as requested by each case study’s stakeholders, reflecting their specific needs and priorities. By consolidating these diverse data streams into a unified interface, the DSA facilitates informed decision-making aligned with regional environmental priorities.

Basic Technologies Used

Interactive Web Interfaces

Utilizing modern web development tools, the DSA offers user-friendly dashboards that facilitate intuitive navigation and data interaction.

Dynamic Data Visualisation

Incorporating state-of-the-art visualization libraries, the application presents complex environmental data through clear and engaging charts, maps, and graphs, enhancing user comprehension.

Robust Data Integration

The DSA seamlessly combines diverse data sources, including citizen science inputs and ecological indicators, ensuring comprehensive and up-to-date information is readily accessible to users.

Secure User Access

Implementing industry-standard security protocols, the application ensures that users can confidently access and interact with the platform, knowing their data is protected.

Usefulness in GUARDEN Case Studies

Case Study 1: France - Balancing Conservation and Development of Urban and Transport Infrastructures

The DSA integrates citizen science observations through the MINKA API, detailed plant plot surveys via Pl@ntNet, and access to indicators, habitats and species predictions from GeoPl@ntNet. It also presents the ecosystem services maps and future scenarios as requested by the involved stakeholders to inform conservation efforts and land-use planning.

Case Study 2: Greece - Structured Framework for Post-Construction Ecosystem Monitoring of Wind Farms

Building upon the functionalities implemented in the France case study, the DSA for Greece also includes acoustic monitoring results from AvesEcho, landscape dynamics assessments, and NDVI indicator maps to monitor vegetation health over time.

Case Study 3: Spain - Biodiversity vs Urban Coastal Management

The DSA integrates citizen science observations through the MINKA API, detailed plant plot surveys via Pl@ntNet, and access to biodiversity indicators, habitat distributions and species predictions from GeoPl@ntNet. It also incorporates the ecosystem services analysis results and Future Scenarios.

Case Study 4: Cyprus: Consideration of Species Loss Caused by Expansion of Energy Centre

The DSA is designed to support the implementation of the Vasilikos Area Spatial Master Plan (VASMP) by providing tools for biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem service assessment. It integrates citizen science observations through the MINKA API, detailed plant plot surveys via Pl@ntNet, access to ecological indicators and species predictions from GeoPl@ntNet, acoustic monitoring results from AvesEcho, landscape dynamics assessments, and NDVI indicator comparisons.