Next-generation agri-environment schemes: Integrating innovations in biodiversity monitoring, farming technologies and digital tools

Rapid developments in sensor technologies, digital tools, and artificial intelligence are transforming how biodiversity and ecosystems are monitored and managed. At the same time, novel farming technologies are reshaping food production, with substantial implications for agrobiodiversity. However, little research has examined how these technological developments can be integrated into agri-environment schemes (AES), the key policy instrument for conserving agrobiodiversity. This perspective paper explores how recent developments in digital technologies both require and enable us to reconsider today’s AES. Drawing on articles in the special issue “Harnessing technological developments in biodiversity monitoring and agricultural production to re-think agri-environment schemes for conservation”, we synthesize and complement their insights. We identify several opportunities, including the incorporation of additional conservation targets in result-based AES, the improved targeting of sites and measures within action-based AES, the design of novel state-dependent AES, and the strengthened monitoring of conservation targets and compliance. However, several challenges remain: Still considerable monitoring costs, the need to further improve monitoring technology accuracy, concerns about data privacy, and farmers’ acceptance of – and scepticism towards – (novel) technologies. We also identify specific risks, such as potential negative environmental impacts of digital technologies, a technology-driven bias in future conservation goals, profit-oriented technological development that overlooks negative impacts on agrobiodiversity, and the potential marginalization of farmers who lack the financial resources to adopt these technologies. We therefore recommend conducting pilot projects, co-designed with stakeholders, to examine how these recent advances in digital technologies can be responsibly and effectively used to improve AES. • Technological advances are transforming biodiversity monitoring and farming • AES must be rethought to take full advantage of digital and AI-driven innovations • New tools enable better targeting, monitoring, and state-dependent AES • Key challenges include monitoring costs, accuracy, data privacy, and farmer acceptance • Pilot projects with stakeholders can guide effective technology integration in AES