The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has initiated efforts to define Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) to support long-term biodiversity monitoring and assessment. These variables represent a minimal set of fundamental observations needed to address multi-purpose biodiversity information needs at various scales. The concept of EBVs was developed by a group of over thirty biodiversity experts in March 2012 and has been refined through discussions and workshops. The goal is to create a comprehensive, integrated observation system for biodiversity across multiple scales to safeguard biodiversity and improve human well-being. EBVs are intended to facilitate the harmonization of existing monitoring schemes and guide the implementation of new ones, especially in areas with sparse biodiversity data. They are not indicators themselves but processed observations required for the calculation of indicators, such as those needed to assess the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. EBVs can also be used to develop scenarios for the future of biodiversity under different policy and management responses. The EBVs are categorized into six classes: genetic composition, species populations and ranges, species traits, community composition, ecosystem structure, and ecosystem function. Each class includes specific variables that are essential for monitoring biodiversity change. For example, genetic composition includes allelic diversity and co-ancestry, while species populations include distribution, abundance, and population structure. EBVs are relevant for today's and future scientific and policy questions, sensitive to change over a decade, and generalizable across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine realms. They are scalable and feasible, using available technologies and considering cost-effectiveness. EBVs are stable and measure the state of ecosystems and species, supporting environmental reporting frameworks like DPSIR. The concept of EBVs has been presented at various conferences and meetings, including those of the CBD, Ramsar, IPBES, and the World Parks Congress. A survey was conducted to gather opinions on the EBVs and to suggest new candidates. The results of this survey will help refine the EBVs and ensure their effectiveness in monitoring biodiversity change.The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has initiated efforts to define Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) to support long-term biodiversity monitoring and assessment. These variables represent a minimal set of fundamental observations needed to address multi-purpose biodiversity information needs at various scales. The concept of EBVs was developed by a group of over thirty biodiversity experts in March 2012 and has been refined through discussions and workshops. The goal is to create a comprehensive, integrated observation system for biodiversity across multiple scales to safeguard biodiversity and improve human well-being. EBVs are intended to facilitate the harmonization of existing monitoring schemes and guide the implementation of new ones, especially in areas with sparse biodiversity data. They are not indicators themselves but processed observations required for the calculation of indicators, such as those needed to assess the Aichi Biodiversity Targets. EBVs can also be used to develop scenarios for the future of biodiversity under different policy and management responses. The EBVs are categorized into six classes: genetic composition, species populations and ranges, species traits, community composition, ecosystem structure, and ecosystem function. Each class includes specific variables that are essential for monitoring biodiversity change. For example, genetic composition includes allelic diversity and co-ancestry, while species populations include distribution, abundance, and population structure. EBVs are relevant for today's and future scientific and policy questions, sensitive to change over a decade, and generalizable across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine realms. They are scalable and feasible, using available technologies and considering cost-effectiveness. EBVs are stable and measure the state of ecosystems and species, supporting environmental reporting frameworks like DPSIR. The concept of EBVs has been presented at various conferences and meetings, including those of the CBD, Ramsar, IPBES, and the World Parks Congress. A survey was conducted to gather opinions on the EBVs and to suggest new candidates. The results of this survey will help refine the EBVs and ensure their effectiveness in monitoring biodiversity change.