The main aim of the development of a Spanish Network of Excellence on Biodiversity is to strengthen the Spanish Scientific Network Community participating in LifeWatch, the E-Science European Infrastructure for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research ERIC (https://www.lifewatch.eu). Through this e-infrastructure several resources and services are provided to the scientific community working on this field (catalogues of virtual labs (VREs), data and services) (https://www.lifewatch.eu/web/guest/catalogue-of-virtual-labs). The LifeWatch ERIC Statutes foresee the creation of National Nodes, which in Spain has been translated into the creation of the Joint Research Unit LifeWatch Spain (JRU - LW.ES) in 2014. This brings together several organizations and institutions carrying out research, development and innovation (RDI) activities in this field. Among others, to date the JRU - LW.ES counts on the participation of Public Research Organizations (Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT), The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO), National Institute of Aerospace Technology (INTA)); International Excellence Campus & Universities (ANDALUCIA TECH Universities of Seville and Málaga, Universities of Cantabria, Navarra, Extremadura, Granada, Huelva, Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), Pablo de Olavide); Ministry of Agriculture, Fishing, Food and Environment (Spanish Inventory for Natural and Biodiversity Heritage, Fundación Biodiversidad, Directorate-General for Water-River Basin Authorities, Green Infrastructure); Technology and Innovation Parks-Institutions (Andalusica Technological Park (PTA), Cartuja93, Technological Institute Galicia (ITG)); Regional and Local Authorities (Junta Andalucía), and Port Authorities (Cartagena, Huelva, Seville). These organizations have expressed their interest in integrating into a network of excellence to promote biodiversity research, addressing major environmental challenges, and supporting knowledge-based strategic solutions for environmental preservation. This scientific network, associated with the e-infrastructure LifeWatch ERIC, aims to bring together the critical mass of resources and experience in the field of biodiversity present within Spain, taking advantage of the information and communication technology (ICT) tools and facilities that offer the necessary infrastructure, operating in synergy with national research plans. In essence, the creation of this network aims to consolidate a focus of excellence in Spain in the field of biodiversity, promoting the implementation of joint European projects and contributing to the objectives set in the LifeWatch ERIC.
