Index on Biodiversity Potential (IBP) “Train the Trainers” Workshop

In collaboration with EU-Horizon TRANSFORMIT project, the Integrate Network is organising a 2-day field workshop on the “Index of Biodiversity Potential”, short IBP. It will take place from 15th to 16th of April 2026 in Binzen and Kandern, Germany located near the city of Basel (Switzerland).

The idea for a “train the trainers” workshop emerged at the Integrate Network Annual Meeting held in October 2025 in Ireland, where the IBP was introduced by Laurent Larrieu and Pierre Gonin (INRAE/CNPF). Interest arose from participants to organise a training event in the near future on how to apply the IBP. As the IBP was instrumentally developed by Laurent and Pierre over the past decades, we would like to take the opportunity to have the training with Laurent who is retiring in the course of 2026 (Pierre will already retire in March this year).

What is the IBP and how can it be applied?

The IBP is a simple diagnostic tool designed to help forest managers practise biodiversity-friendly forest management. The index is based on a rapid assessment of ten features (or key factors) that influence the capacity of forest stands to support animal, plant, and fungal species. These 10 key factors consider the most common structural drivers of forest biodiversity and include native tree species, vertical structure of vegetation, standing and lying deadwood, large living trees, living trees bearing microhabitats, flower-rich open areas and three factors related to site history and site conditions. The key factors can be quite easily recorded in the field using a well-designed protocol by Laurent and Pierre. For recording no additional equipment or special taxonomic expertise is required to assess the IBP score. The application of the IBP has great potential, e.g. for forest/nature conservation managers, forest owners, consultants, forest training centres, educational institutions in practical work or education. The index can also be used by science as a rapid stand description protocol for example to analyse biodiversity patterns for example in different types of managed forest and such not being managed.

This workshop will provide theoretical insights to the IBP, the science behind it, and its application in the field. Further the participants will be introduced to good practices to implement training events at their own enterprises, institutions, or administrations. You will also have the chance learn more about both the Integrate Network and TRANSFORMIT project, as well as meet new people working in the field of integrative forest management and forest biodiversity.