The Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) aims to provide a general framework for biodiversity monitoring to support decision makers. In a new paper, the coordinated observing system adopted by GEO BON is presented with its two interconnected core components: the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) as a standard framework for biodiversity monitoring, and the Biodiversity Observation Networks (BONs) that support harmonized observation systems. Get the open access paper here.