The OAB is the first national project in France that gets farmers involved in observing and creating biodiversity references in an agricultural environment. Farmers are key players in the conservation and restoration of biodiversity and support sustainable agricultural systems. This project encourages and supports voluntary change by farmers participating in the initiative with a view to ensuring greater consideration of biodiversity.

The observatory seeks to:

– Add information to a scientific database to be able to track broad trends over long periods of time and changes in ordinary biodiversity in agricultural environments.

– Raise awareness and support the stakeholders involved.

Four protocols have been developed with data on different themes: Pollination is covered by the protocols for “solitary bees” and “butterflies”. These insects are also indicators of the health of an environment at the landscape level.
Soil fertility is covered by the “earthworms” protocol. Pest control falls under the protocol for “land invertebrates,” which include slugs and beetles. 

The level of involvement is on a case-by-case basis:

Depending on the protocols, ideal involvement is as follows: 

– Butterflies: Three to five times from May to September

– Earthworms: once every three years

– Solitary bees: once a month from February to October 

– Land invertebrates: Once a month all year long