Training session A common biodiversity index, without excluding country specific indices Presentations by: Ed Row summarized, contextualized and wrapped up discussions from previous years Arjen van Hinsberg: habitat index is (almost) the same as suitability (index) Max Posch and relates directly to the probabilities/suitabilities/strength isolines; exact mathematical formulation to be finalized Luc Bonten and will be implemented in VSD+PROPS

Discussion Final details of the index are really minor List of ‘typical’, ‘positive indicator’ species to be selected by the countries, firstly per site are often already available by habitat type, this can be part of the next call for data for testing its properties in relation to number of typical species and comparing to national methods/indices

We have a common index!! But no agreement on the name … Maybe: - (van) Generic Objective of Good Habitats - Mean AuTecological Index for Species Sensitivity to the Environment - Plant Index for Species Autecological Response and Related Occurrence - CSI (Chosen Species Index) ?

VSD+ / PROPS novelties Presentation, demo Luc Hands-on: Intense and till 18.30 h Many technical issues related to Windows versions and installations (PCs) with restricted permissions More demands on the transparency and educational functions of VSD+ and PROPS Relevés with abiotic measurements will be made available by FR, DK, UK, ICP Forests (?)