Paradigms and Principles for Integrating Nature Technologies in Biodiversity Monitoring

Seamus Lombardo, Amy Rosenthal, Christopher Benjamin Anderson , Ken Bagstad, Carly Batist, Christopher Beirne, Paul Bunje, Marconi Campos-Cerqueira, Jeremy Cusack, Elsa Carla De Grandi, Rachel King, Trond Larsen, David Luther, Jennifer McGowan, Adrien Pajot, Xavier Raick, Vijay Ramesh, Chelsea Smith, Ali Swanson, Tom Walker

Employing a combination of nature technologies such as satellite data, eDNA, camera traps, passive acoustic sensors, and GPS monitors can augment traditional biodiversity measurements to help respond to increasing demand for understanding conservation status and outcomes. However, there is no clear guidance or consensus on how nature technologies are best integrated. We aim to provide a robust framework for how nature technologies are being integrated, and present how this enhances understanding at the multiple scales required for growing nature-positive programs. We propose a set of paradigms (survey design, tip-and-cue, validation, consilience, interpolation and extrapolation, and data fusion) and prioritize a set of principles for nature data integration (metadata standards, use rights and licensing, scientific rigor, and utility). We then analyze a diverse set of seven real-world case studies to understand what paradigms are leveraged in practice and how prioritized principles have been implemented. Our case studies applied paradigms with varying frequency (consilience was most common, and tip-and-cue least common), with many applying multiple paradigms in sequence (such as consilience followed by data fusion). We found strong operationalization of several of our prioritized principles, such as licensing and use-rights. We conclude that integrated nature technologies will depend not only on technological advances, but on a collective commitment to refine and build upon paradigms and principles for integration. We provide a foundation for realizing the potential of integrated biodiversity monitoring to help guide future research and conservation action.