The comprehensive and effective implementation of many of the actions identified in the NBS requires a significant improvement in the knowledge and understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem services provided in Belgium. Currently, methodologies are being developed for evaluating biodiversity and ecosystem services, including ecological aspects related to ecosystem structure and function, socio-economic aspects and monetary aspects. There is also a need for more research on biodiversity at genetic, species and ecosystem levels and rapid dissemination of the results of this peer-reviewed research to enable adaptive management.

Several items in the NBS require immediate action, for example to address immediate threats for which there is insufficient time to consider in-depth research to support relief actions. On the other hand, such immediate actions are likely to fail or have negative and unexpected side effects if in-depth research data are not available. It is therefore essential to design research projects so that the expected results can guide and support immediate actions, but also generate data that can help plan and implement long-term biodiversity conservation and management.

Biodiversa+ is a co-funded European Partnership for Biodiversity that supports excellence in biodiversity research with an impact on policy and society. Developed jointly by BiodivERsA and the European Commission (DG Research and Innovation and DG Environment), it was officially launched in October 2021. It works towards 5 main objectives: (1) To plan and support biodiversity research and innovation through a shared strategy (2) To establish a network of harmonised schemes to improve monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystem services across Europe (3) To contribute knowledge for the deployment of nature-based solutions and biodiversity valuation in the private sector (4) To ensure effective, science-based support for policy-making (5) To strengthen the relevance and impact of pan-European biodiversity research in a global context. Biodiversa+'s Belgian operational team is based at BelSPO.