BIOGAIN

BIOGAIN involves consultants, authorities, NGOs and SMEs in the fields of AI and biodiversity data science to examine hypotheses regarding the role of quality and availability of novel data and its interpretation to contribute to: reshaping power dynamics: Increased access to accurate data creates knowledge and transparency and reduces the impact of outdated or limited information; and encouraging nature-positive planning: Transparent biodiversity-impact predictions allow planners to integrate preference trade-offs thoughtfully, leading to informed, balanced decisions that support both nature and climate goals. The project focuses on actors at multiple planning levels, particularly in subnational and regional contexts where spatial energy planning remains underinformed by digital technology. Specifically, BIOGAIN will address planning for wind and solar energy infrastructure, examining how these RE sources intersect and impact biodiversity. BIOGAIN integrates, supported by AI, up-to-date digital biodiversity data and ecosystem models to inform the current state (baseline data) and the effectiveness of measures (e.g., in place for former energy infrastructure projects). A ‘serious game’ lets participants explore real planning scenarios safely, learn from outcomes, and compare options side-by-side. Structured workshops, as part of a collaborative decision analysis and accompanied by a Discrete Choice Experiment, investigate how stakeholders weigh objectives based on forecasted outcomes of decision options.