The Ecosystem Extent Task Team (EETT) was formed in 2021 to investigate the use of Earth observation data to support the critical Biodiversity variable of Ecosystem Extent. The team was tasked with developing two deliverables, though the overarching goal was to explore the potential for a sustained role for biodiversity within CEOS. The deliverables were:
- A white paper outlining an integrated international perspective on how space-based Earth observations can be used to support ecosystem mapping and monitoring with a focus on ecosystem extent.
- An initiative to demonstrate the use of EO for ecosystem extent mapping and monitoring.
With the completion of the two deliverables, the 2024 CEOS Plenary formally concluded the Task Team’s work and mandate.
To build upon the work of the EETT and assess the options for a sustained role for biodiversity activities within CEOS, the CEOS Biodiversity Study Team (BST) was established at the 2024 CEOS Plenary with a one-year duration.
The BST was tasked with:
- Conducting a stakeholder assessment;
- Consulting across CEOS entities and agencies to leverage existing practices on biodiversity and implementing lessons learned and recommendations;
- Assessing the options for sustainable support for biodiversity in CEOS;
- Developing supporting documentation for the recommended option in collaboration with the CEOS Executive Officer.
The BST is being led by Gary Geller (NASA), Marc Paganini (ESA) and Shaun Levick (CSIRO).
Draft Terms of Reference for BST can be downloaded from this link.
More about how Earth observations can be used in the framework of Biodiversity can be found here.
Contact Dr Gary Geller for more information.