Insect monitoring for regional authorities
Insect data for implementation: protected-area networks, Natura 2000 management, subsidy monitoring and agri-environment schemes.
Regional authorities implement nature policy: realising and managing protected-area networks, Natura 2000 management plans, nature management subsidies with their monitoring obligations, agri-environment schemes and wildlife management, and they report on progress to national government. The DIOPSIS insect camera adds a layer that was missing from that implementation monitoring: continuous, standardised data on insects, the basis of the food web.
The region implements, and has to show it works
Annual progress reports, evaluations of Natura 2000 management plans and the accountability of nature subsidies all ask the same thing: evidence that management and restoration measures work. Vegetation and some species groups are already monitored. Insects, which respond fastest to a changed mowing date, rewetting or a newly designed plot, stayed out of view because counting was too labour-intensive.
A time series per area and management type
The DIOPSIS insect camera photographs what lands on an illuminated screen every few seconds, all season long, also at night. The image recognition model of Naturalis Biodiversity Center identifies and counts the insects. Placing cameras per management type or sub-area produces a series per site that you can compare year after year and area by area.
Linking to existing systems
Data are available and exportable per site, date and management type, so they can be set alongside your existing monitoring databases. How the link looks in practice, we agree with your monitoring coordinator.
Little management burden
The cameras run on solar power and 4G and are monitored remotely. Placement takes minutes; site managers, farmer collectives or a consultancy include the periodic check in existing rounds.
Proven in several Dutch provinces
The camera was developed with EIS Kenniscentrum Insecten, Naturalis and Radboud University and has been used by several Dutch provinces since the pilot years; see the publications. Also read how municipalities and water authorities use the camera, or contact us.
Related
Frequently asked questions
How does DIOPSIS fit existing regional monitoring frameworks?
Regional frameworks typically monitor management types and Natura 2000 sites through vegetation and selected groups such as butterflies and dragonflies. DIOPSIS does not replace that; it adds a continuous measurement of flying insects that is comparable per management type and per area. How to link it formally, we agree with your monitoring coordinator.
Can site managers include the cameras in their subsidy monitoring?
Yes. Site-managing organisations and private managers who receive nature management subsidies usually have a monitoring obligation. A camera per management type or sub-area is placed in minutes and monitored remotely; the periodic check fits existing field rounds.
What is the difference with the national role?
National government holds system responsibility: legislation, European reporting and national monitoring networks. The region implements and manages: areas, subsidies, management plans. For the region it is about data per area and management type to steer management and account for progress; see also the page on national nature policy.
How many cameras are needed for a regional picture?
That depends on the number of areas and management types you want to follow. Dutch provinces working with DIOPSIS started with a few dozen cameras spread over nature reserves, farmland and transition zones; we are happy to work out a design with you.
Adding insects to your regional monitoring?
We think along about the link with your existing monitoring framework, the choice of areas and management types, and reporting to your council and national government.