Co-Creation for Genetic Indicator Monitoring and Reporting: Windfalls and Pitfalls

The EU Biodiversa+ GINAMO (Genetic Indicator for Nature Monitoring) project supports the implementation and use of the CBD KMGBF Target 4 genetic indicators by five European countries (Belgium, Sweden, France, Italy, and Norway). A key feature of this international project is its use of an inclusive co-creation approach, engaging stakeholders from the outset to develop solutions that reflect their needs, resources, and practical contexts—thereby increasing the likelihood of successful uptake and long-term use.To better understand the practical challenges associated with calculating and reporting the CBD KMGBF headline genetic indicator Ne > 500 and the complementary indicator PM (proportion of populations maintained), we conducted stakeholder inclusive workshops in each partner country to identify priority gaps and needs. Some of these challenges were then translated into formal research questions, while others were addressed directly through iterative co-creation involving the relevant stakeholders.We also assessed stakeholder perceptions of the process and will present the insights and results gained so far. For stakeholders, participation can be difficult due to limited time, even when interest is high. By taking a broad view of who the stakeholders are in each country, the workshops created a space where people who do not normally meet could come together to articulate practical and relevant needs. Participants found this highly valuable. The facilitated structure was appreciated and seen as a key reason for the engaged discussions, and the concrete outcomes of the meetings made them more useful to stakeholders than similar, non-facilitated meetings.For the project researchers, the co-creation process was experienced as both valuable and enriching, though not without its challenges. While frequently celebrated as a transformative tool for enhancing research relevance and societal impact, co-creation requires a skillset that extends beyond traditional scientific training. Effective facilitation, communication, and iterative engagement - activities that require time, budget, and emotional investment are not always accounted for in project planning and design. The emerging lessons from GINAMO’s co-creation process offer a foundation for strengthening future collaborations at the interface between science, management, and policy and serve as inspiration for other initiatives embarking on co-creation with stakeholders.