The document outlines the concept and importance of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) in monitoring biodiversity changes and supporting long-term biodiversity information needs. EBVs are a minimal set of fundamental observations required to address multi-purpose biodiversity monitoring at various scales. They are intended to facilitate the harmonization of existing monitoring schemes and guide the implementation of new ones, particularly in regions with sparse biodiversity data. The EBVs fall into six categories: genetic composition, species populations and ranges, species traits, community composition, ecosystem structure, and ecosystem function. Each category includes specific variables such as allelic diversity, species distribution, population abundance, body mass, phenology, and net primary productivity. The document emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, integrated global observation system for biodiversity, similar to the one developed for climate change monitoring, to effectively track biodiversity changes and support policy-making and conservation efforts. National focal points of the Convention on Biological Diversity are invited to provide feedback on the concept and proposed list of EBVs through an online survey.The document outlines the concept and importance of Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) in monitoring biodiversity changes and supporting long-term biodiversity information needs. EBVs are a minimal set of fundamental observations required to address multi-purpose biodiversity monitoring at various scales. They are intended to facilitate the harmonization of existing monitoring schemes and guide the implementation of new ones, particularly in regions with sparse biodiversity data. The EBVs fall into six categories: genetic composition, species populations and ranges, species traits, community composition, ecosystem structure, and ecosystem function. Each category includes specific variables such as allelic diversity, species distribution, population abundance, body mass, phenology, and net primary productivity. The document emphasizes the need for a comprehensive, integrated global observation system for biodiversity, similar to the one developed for climate change monitoring, to effectively track biodiversity changes and support policy-making and conservation efforts. National focal points of the Convention on Biological Diversity are invited to provide feedback on the concept and proposed list of EBVs through an online survey.