The Knowledge Exchange Network for Marine Biodiversity

As part of the BioAgora project, the European Commission has promoted the formation of Knowledge Exchange Networks (KENs) to test and pilot the functions of the EU’ Science service for Biodiversity (SSBD).

The Knowledge Exchange Network for Marine Biodiversity (KEN-marine)  - a recognized and sustainable network of the EU SSBD was launched in March 2025 at the European Commission (EC)  to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and to maximize joint impact.

The KEN-marine establishes an effective dialogue between science and policy and subsequently improves evidence based policy and decision making for marine biodiversity. 

1. Advancing knowledge exchange on Marine Biodiversity

2. Closing the Marine Biodiversity science - policy implementation gap

3. Mainstreaming Marine Biodiversity into policy and decision making

4. Building awareness, capacities, and dialogues on the importance of Marine Biodiversity

The Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity (KCBD), part of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), was established in 2020 in close cooperation with the European Environment Agency (EEA) as part of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Its mission is to enhance the knowledge base on biodiversity, facilitate its sharing, and foster cross-sectoral policy dialogue to support evidence-based EU policymaking in biodiversity and related fields. KCBD serves as a central hub where information from researchers, policymakers, NGOs, industry, and citizens is brought together, structured, and made accessible, ensuring that decisions are informed by the most relevant and up-to-date scientific evidence.

KCBD supports policymaking by developing tools that enable the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, including its global dimension, and by responding to specific policy requests through the synthesis and transparent communication of available evidence with the support of the Science Service for Biodiversity. As part of the JRC, it also hosts one of the European sub-regional Technical and Scientific Cooperation Support Centres, assisting 44 European Parties in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Through these activities, KCBD strengthens the integration of science into policy, promotes collaboration across sectors, and contributes to the effective protection and restoration of biodiversity in Europe and beyond.