What Earth Observation Can Do for Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Earth observation (EO) is becoming an indispensable tool for understanding, monitoring and protecting the natural world. Satellite data can map and monitor habitats and ecosystems at unprecedented scale, track land cover and vegetation change, assess the extent and condition of forests, wetlands, peatlands and coastal ecosystems, detect the spread of invasive species, and monitor biodiversity-relevant indicators such as canopy structure, phenology and surface water dynamics. By providing consistent, repeatable and spatially explicit information across landscapes that are often vast or difficult to access, EO enables more robust biodiversity assessments, supports the design and evaluation of conservation measures, and strengthens reporting under international frameworks such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy, the Habitats and Birds Directives, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

ESA's Role in Ecosystems and Biodiversity

ESA contributes to global biodiversity monitoring and ecosystem science through a rich portfolio of satellite missions and dedicated research programmes. Through the Climate Change Initiative (CCI) and thematic programmes linking space data to conservation science, ESA collaborates with environmental agencies, research institutions and international bodies to develop operational EO products for habitat mapping, ecosystem condition assessment and biodiversity monitoring. These efforts directly support the scientific and policy communities working to halt biodiversity loss and restore degraded ecosystems in line with European and global commitments.

How the Stakeholder Engagement Facility Supports Ecosystems and Biodiversity Users

The ESA Stakeholder Engagement Facility (SEF) works with a diverse community of ecosystems and biodiversity stakeholders — including nature conservation agencies, protected area managers, environmental NGOs, research institutions and policy bodies — to promote the uptake of Earth observation in conservation and biodiversity monitoring workflows.

SEF is also an active participant in the ecosystems and biodiversity community, engaging with leading sector events and networks to promote the use of EO and to gather detailed user requirements.

Capacity-building is central to SEF's approach in this thematic area. SEF has delivered dedicated training and awareness initiatives, equipping conservation practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to access and apply satellite data in their day-to-day work. These initiatives are designed to be accessible to organisations at all levels of EO maturity, from those exploring satellite data for the first time to those seeking to deepen their technical capabilities.

If you are working in this field and would like to understand how EO could support your organisation then please contact us to set up a direct discussion on your requirements.