Background The protection of human health and the environment requires that due attention be given to controlling risks from the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Outcomes from an EC working group on guidance notes for monitoring GMOs indicates that: there is no guidance as to how existing monitoring programmes and data infrastructure schemes may support GMO monitoring; there is no legal framework to regulate the coordination and harmonisation of GMO monitoring data; and monitoring data should include standardised numerical raw data ready to be analysed with an informative system. Objectives The project aims to improve coordination and harmonisation of GMO monitoring data, with the establishment of a quick monitoring index (QMI) to rapidly assess the potential risk generated by a selected range of transgenic crops in well determined ecosystems or biotopes. The index will take into account the level of risk posed by a range of transgenic crops, and their potential interactions. A GIS tool will be used to monitor and map the level of risk generated by transgenic plants in a given area. A model will be produced capable of monitoring risks from both actual and simulated transgenic crops.