User-oriented solutions building on environmental observation to monitor critical ecosystems and biodiversity loss and vulnerability

Intro

There is a need for knowledge of both better quantified and more precisely characterised changes in biodiversity and related ecosystem services (in coastal, marine, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems), and of ecosystem status and quantified impacts of the main direct drivers of changes (i.e. land and sea use changes, pollutions, climate change, invasive alien species and exploitation of natural resources) on European natural capital.

Scope

The projects should deliver new Earth Observation (EO) data services building on the potential of EO capabilities in order to address end-user needs facing the deterioration and destruction of their living environment and ecosystems. The projects under this topic should tackle issues raised within the European Green Deal calls and provide solutions to halt biodiversity loss and protect vulnerable ecosystems, and ensuring ecosystem capacity to continue to provide services to society and the environment. The projects should make mapping tools and information solutions available, which are needed by a wide variety of end users in order to meet targets for conservation and restoration of diverse terrestrial, coastal and marine ecosystems.

Objective

– Policy formulation for biodiversity & ecosystem services on European/national and regional level
– Understanding of the adverse cumulative impacts of climate change and anthropogenic activities on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
– Ecosystem-based management of land and sea with the objectives to minimize the adverse effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities on ecosystems and biodiversity
– Dependable data, information and knowledge to support adaptation and mitigation of biodiversity loss
– Support to the development of the European service sector regarding end-user climate services related to biodiversity and ecosystems
– A contribution to the EC-ESA Joint Earth system science initiative
– Improved governance of biodiversity monitoring and reporting, in particular together with the ‘Rescuing biodiversity to safeguard live on Earth’ partnership, the EU Knowledge Centre for Biodiversity and GEOBON