Presentation of the Biodiversity Monitoring Program at Costa Navarino
Our team was delighted to attend this year’s European Congress of Conservation Biology (ECCB 2026), which took place in Leiden, the Netherlands (July 6–10). During the conference, we had the opportunity to share the results of the design and implementation of the extensive Biodiversity Monitoring Program carried out at the golf courses and the wider grounds of Costa Navarino (Navarino Dunes, Navarino Hills, and Navarino Bay).
The Project
This project was a 12-month baseline study that required significant effort, both in the field and in the office, with the participation of 13 researchers. Our goal was to thoroughly document the flora, avifauna, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as to map the habitat types in the area.
To achieve this, we applied a wide range of modern methodologies, combining traditional field observations with the use of trail cameras, passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), and the use of drones to create high-precision orthomosaics.
Our preliminary data suggest that, with proper and careful management, man-made green spaces, such as golf courses, have the potential to function as ecological refuges. During the project, we recorded particularly high biodiversity, including protected and endemic species. Our observations revealed that several species use these areas for foraging and nesting, while there also appear to be species that live entirely within the boundaries of the facilities.
Next Steps
Overall, the baseline study data allowed us to formulate targeted proposals for biodiversity management and conservation that incorporate new technologies as well as Citizen Science , such as, for example, promoting the use of the eBird platform for birdwatching within the facilities.
Most importantly, however, the monitoring program is now well established and ongoing. This will provide us with time-series data, which are essential for a more comprehensive understanding of species dynamics, as well as for the ongoing assessment and adaptive management of biodiversity through targeted actions.
Below you can see the poster presented by our team.
