Periodic Reporting for period 1 - eLTER EnRich (eLTER EnRich - Bridging phases towards the Integrated European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research Infrastructure)
Berichtszeitraum: 2024-03-01 bis 2025-08-31
The European Long-Term Ecosystem, critical zone and socio-ecological Research Infrastructure eLTER RI is a distributed pan-European Research Infrastructure of in-situ facilities and central services to support ecosystem research with a holistic approach covering all ecosystem spheres. Its goal is to become formalized as ERIC by 2026–2027, building on decades of national investments in ecosystem research, long-term observations and socio-ecological studies. Today, over 165 research organisations from 28 countries have endorsed its scientific mission, 21 governments have provided formal political support for its establishment and 19 are formally represented in the governing board of the eLTER Interim Council. eLTER RI is designed to generate reliable, long-term knowledge to address pressing societal challenges incl. climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable resource use. Providing high-quality data and services, it will help Europe remain at the forefront of global ecosystem science. The RI operates as a cost-efficient, distributed network of research sites and services that evolve with emerging scientific needs, supporting evidence-based policymaking and transition towards a sustainable and resilient Europe. EnRich secures final steps of eLTER ESFRI process towards eLTER ERIC. Its mission is to enable frontier science that explains how ecosystems respond and adapt to multiple global change pressures, contributing directly to UN SDGs and European Green Deal. In view of today’s uncertain geopolitical and environmental context, EnRich adopts a phased, flexible approach, supported by advanced system-engineering methods to manage the complexity of specifying-implementing a distributed RI. The approach defines a core Skeleton eLTER RI with essential services that can grow step by step, guided by stakeholder priorities. Through close collaboration with related European projects and infrastructures, EnRich coordinates the distributed development of key cyberinfrastructure, strengthening formal commitments from participating countries and securing long-term sustainability. By bridging ongoing projects with future eLTER ERIC operations, EnRich will ensure a smooth transition, build capacity and expertise and increase user engagement.
EnRich advanced eLTER RI towards establishment as a permanent pan-European entity. EnRich strengthened both the technical foundations and legal framework needed for eLTER to operate as distributed ERIC. Major milestone was the submission of Step-1 ERIC application to EC in July 2025, with Germany as leading host country and broad support from prospective members. This followed extensive negotiations of the Statutes, ensuring clear rules on governance, membership and finance. Strong involvement of ministries and research organisations demonstrates long-term commitment and secures sustainability. Complementary rules, advisory board procedures and a flexible service hosting framework were also prepared. EnRich produced the 1st version of the eLTER System Architecture and Cyberinfrastructure Plan. They focus on system layers of highest relevance -business, applications, technology- provide a blueprint for the RI’s digital backbone and integrate key services such as Data Management and Head Office functions. Core components e.g. the service portal, site and asset registries and discovery tools were piloted and refined under agile development cycles, aligned with FAIR/TRUST principles. Training activities enhanced staff capacity in systems engineering, ensuring continuity into the operational phase. The project issued the 1st joint eLTER policy brief, underlining the urgency of scaling Carbon Dioxide Removal. These achievements lay the foundations for a sustainable European RI that will deliver high-quality, interoperable data and services to support science, policy and society in addressing biodiversity loss, climate change and sustainability challenges.
EnRich is pushing ecosystem RIs beyond current practice by combining technical innovation with organisational formalisation. EnRich applies a systems engineering approach, rarely used in environmental RIs, to design services that are traceable, interoperable and user-focused. Central results include System Architecture and Cyberinfrastructure Plan that establish the digital backbone of the RI. Linking tools such as the service portal, site and asset registries and discovery services, EnRich enables access to harmonised FAIR/TRUST-compliant data. The integration moves beyond fragmented national systems and strengthens Europe’s position in global environmental observation. EnRich advanced the legal and governance framework of eLTER through finalisation of Statutes and submission of Step-1 ERIC application. Complementary rules and hosting frameworks provide flexibility and ensure continuity of operations during the transition to ERIC. The expected impact is significant: better disentangling of the compounded effects of multiple stressors e.g. climate change, land use, pollution and unsustainable resource usage, on key European terrestrial, fresh- and transitional water ecosystems. This will inform mitigation measures, including tackling biodiversity loss and ecosystem restoration, and support related EU and global policies. To ensure full uptake, continued investment in service deployment, alignment with EOSC, and sustained political commitment from member states are key.