Biodiversity – measuring and monitoring nature's variation

Video: Amphibian pond in Lisbjerg Forest near Aarhus. April 2026.

We help companies and authorities measure, monitor, and validate their work with biodiversity. With advanced sensor and camera technology, we create a precise data foundation that makes it possible to make decisions based on data. We develop tailored monitoring solutions that document nature's variation over time and translate complex data into knowledge.

How can Danish Technological Institute help you?

• Develop automated monitoring solutions customized to your specific needs
• Measure biodiversity through audio recordings of birds, bats, and underwater life
• Monitor insects and mammals with advanced camera traps
• Use AI for automated species recognition and analysis
• Validate methods and results
• Document the impact of biodiversity initiatives over time
• Advise on improving initiatives based on measurement results
• Create transparent reporting for stakeholders and authorities
• Deliver best-practice recommendations and guides for the next steps

Video: Setup of AI camera trap in the VIBES project.

Precise measurements drive targeted action for biodiversity Biodiversity is under pressure, and the need for documented and targeted efforts is greater than ever. Companies working with Science Based Targets for Nature face requirements to document their impact and progress. Authorities must be able to demonstrate the effect of nature restoration projects. But how do you know if the initiatives you implement actually work?

Without precise measurements, it is difficult to assess the impact of biodiversity initiatives – and even harder to prioritize resources correctly. The Danish Technological Institute combines deep biological expertise with advanced measurement and monitoring technology. We help you choose the right measurement points, develop automated solutions, and validate the results, so you obtain a credible foundation for both decisions and actions.

"As a biologist and researcher, I have seen first-hand how difficult it can be to know if our biodiversity efforts are making a difference. If we want to act in a targeted manner, we must be able to measure nature's variation, and here, advanced sensor and camera technology makes it possible to create a precise foundation for both decisions and actions. Measurements and technology thus support concrete improvements, more effective efforts, and increased collaboration across sectors."

Machteld Verzijden, Biodiversity Specialist, Danish Technological Institute

Machteld Verzijden setting up an audio recorder. Photo: Danish Technological Institute

Biological expertise meets advanced technology Our specialists possess deep analytical competencies and understand both the complexity of ecosystems and the possibilities of technology. We work with a systematic approach that ensures scientific robustness at every stage of the process.

• Audio recordings: We use audio recording systems to monitor biodiversity through sound. For example, to record bird calls, measure bat activity, and monitor life beneath the water's surface. Audio data provides a unique insight into which species are present, when they are active, and how populations develop over time.
• Camera traps: Our advanced camera traps record insects and mammals with high precision. The cameras are automatically triggered by movement and can operate in all weather and light conditions. The data can provide knowledge about species composition, behavior, and movement patterns.
• AI makes analysis efficient and scalable: The vast amount of data from audio and image recordings is analyzed using AI technology. This makes it possible to process large volumes of data efficiently and deliver results much faster than through manual analysis.

Three good reasons to choose Danish Technological Institute

• We integrate both biology and technology
  Our specialists understand the complexity of ecosystems and ensure that technology is applied the right way to answer your biological questions.
• We go into depth – strong analytical competencies
  We deliver thoroughly researched analysis and advice that creates value and supports concrete improvements to biodiversity efforts.
• Access to technologies and test facilities
  With advanced measurement equipment, AI systems, and specialized facilities, we can develop, test, and validate solutions tailored to your exact needs.

AI audio recorder. Photo: Danish Technological Institute

From data to action – how we work 

Our systematic approach ensures that you get maximum value from your biodiversity monitoring.

Kick-off meeting and planning

The process begins with a meeting where, together with you, we identify objectives, challenges, and desired outcomes. We discuss:

• Which areas need to be monitored?
• Which species or species groups are in focus?
• Which questions should the measurements answer?
• What is the timeframe for the project? Together, we design a detailed plan and schedule that matches your needs and budget.

Selection of technology and measurement points

Based on your goals, we select the most relevant technologies and strategically place measurement points. This can include:

• Bird boxes for audio monitoring of birds
• Ultrasound detectors for bats
• Camera traps for insects and mammals
• Water samples and hydrophone recordings for aquatic ecosystems We ensure that the equipment is placed to provide optimal data quality without disturbing nature

Data collection and analysis

The equipment collects data continuously over the agreed period. Data is validated and quality-assured.

Measuring impact over time

We document development over time and measure the impact of your biodiversity initiatives. Examples of what we can measure:

• Year 1: Baseline measurement before initiatives are implemented
• Year 2: Initial measurements after initiatives have been launched
• Year 3 and beyond: Long-term development and impact A concrete example could be a stream restoration project, where we can measure both water quality (nitrogen levels) and record changes in the number of insects and birds. Or documenting how the establishment of flower meadows or forest buffer strips affects biodiversity around agricultural areas or solar parks.

1. Reporting and advisory services

We translate the complex data into best-practice recommendations based on the results, along with a guide for next steps and fine-tuning of the initiatives.

Who benefits from biodiversity monitoring? 

Our solutions are relevant for a wide range of organizations working actively with biodiversity:

Companies with Science Based Targets for Nature

Companies committed to Science Based Targets for Nature need documentation of their impact and progress. We help to:

• Establish baseline measurements of biodiversity
• Monitor the impact of initiatives
• Document progress for reporting
• Validate methods and results This could be companies within agriculture wishing to document the effect of biodiversity-friendly farming methods, or energy companies establishing solar parks and wanting to ensure a positive impact on the surrounding nature.

Authorities and nature managers

Municipalities, regions, and state authorities working with nature restoration need to document the impact of their investments. We provide the scientific foundation to:

• Evaluate nature restoration projects
• Document results for politicians and citizens
• Prioritize future efforts based on data
• Meet environmental reporting requirements Research and development projects

We support:

• Pilot projects and trials
• Method development and validation
• Scaling from laboratory to field
• Scientific publication

Make your biodiversity efforts measurable and documentable 

With precise measurements and validated knowledge, you can:

• Make better decisions about nature management based on data
• Document the impact of biodiversity initiatives to stakeholders, investors, and authorities
• Optimize resource allocation and prioritize efforts where they do the most good
• Obtain independent validation of your methods and results. The solutions can be scaled from small pilot projects to comprehensive monitoring of large nature areas. Regardless of the project's size, we ensure that methods and results meet the highest scientific standards.

Contact us for a conversation about how we can help you create a precise and action-oriented foundation for your biodiversity efforts.