In March 2021, two new handbooks on Evidence‐based Improvements in the Birds and Habitats Directives Implementation (E-BIND) are being released. They have been the achievements of a systematic review of the Birds and Habitats Directives Implementation. The core objective of the E-Bind handbook(s) are to advise the Commission, Member State authorities, decision makers, spatial planners, conservationists and NGOs in more effective implementation of the Nature Directives. This handbook does focus on guidance for improving the availability of data and information on species, habitats and sites (Focus area A).

Focus Area A, availability of data and information on habitats and species and sites (this handbook) seeks to provide in the lack of data and access to data, including remotely sensed information and monitoring data and consists of three sections: I. Monitoring of species and habitats; II. Contribution of Remote Sensing Techniques for monitoring Natura 2000 sites; and III. Access to data and information.

With its hands-on guidance for improving access to data and information while fostering scientific support and an easy utilization and navigation structure, the handbook(s) will contribute to the mobilization of the scientific community in order to close knowledge gaps, to offer solutions to strategic problems and to enhance the accessibility of scientific information to policymakers and all players involved in the implementation of EU Birds and Habitats Directive. Ecologic Institute's Dr Grit Martinez and Beáta Welk Vargová led the development of the handbooks.