This Permanent Collection is a continuation of the one launched under the previous journal title, Plant Sociology, and the earlier publications are available here.

In the era of the Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to achieve universal benefits with the motto "NO ONE LEFT BEHIND," it is crucial for plant scientists to bridge the existing knowledge gaps in habitats and associated species distribution. In this context, the Habitats Directive (European Directive 92/43/EEC) stands as one of the most comprehensive tools for managing and conserving our natural heritage.

Building on the substantial progress made over the past half-decade in implementing the Habitats Directive by the journal Vegetation Diversity and Ecology, this Topical Collection aims to establish a repository for even more significant and synergistic efforts in the future. It emphasizes enhanced collaboration from plant scientists across EU Member States, ensuring a wider and more collective approach to conservation efforts.

With this Topical Collection, our goal is to dedicate the remaining half-decade until 2030—a pivotal new milestone for the future of our Planet—towards establishing a scientific platform dedicated to a series of articles concerning the Habitats Directive, with a particular focus on the distribution and monitoring of Annex I habitats.

The Topical Collection will include the “New Habitat Records” (NHR) articles, regarding the recording of Annex I habitats of community interest within the EU territory. For the Authors interested in contributing, please read the NHR instructions downloadable here.