COP-16 Unveils Global Ecosystem Atlas: A New Tool for Sustainable Business and Conservation

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COP-16 Unveils Global Ecosystem Atlas: A New Tool for Sustainable Business and Conservation
26 Oct 2024
5 min read

News Synopsis

In a landmark initiative aimed at advancing our understanding and conservation of natural environments, the Global Ecosystem Atlas has been unveiled at the 16th Conference of Parties (COP-16) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Cali, Colombia. Developed by the Group on Earth Observation (GEO), the atlas serves as a comprehensive, data-centric platform for mapping, monitoring, and managing ecosystems worldwide.

This open-source, innovative tool intends to support a broad range of stakeholders, including governments, corporations, financial institutions, and local communities, in making informed, evidence-based decisions for sustainable environmental stewardship. According to GEO, the atlas represents a transformative leap “in how we understand, monitor, protect and manage ecosystems."

What is the Global Ecosystem Atlas?

The Global Ecosystem Atlas is designed as an open-source repository, merging existing high-quality ecosystem maps with newly created ones that utilize cutting-edge Earth observation technology, artificial intelligence, field data, and the insights of local experts. Being open-source, it is freely accessible to users globally, regardless of geographic location or technical capacity. "The simple idea," GEO notes, "is that Earth observation data should be universally accessible to support evidence-based decision making."

This atlas combines different types of spatial data to develop ecosystem representations that are accurate and usable at various scales. The atlas is particularly valuable for providing a consistent and reliable source of ecological information that can guide policymakers and businesses toward more sustainable decisions.

Data Collection for the Global Ecosystem Atlas

The data for the atlas is compiled from a range of high-quality spatial data products sourced from national, regional, and global repositories. According to GEO, these datasets undergo a thorough evaluation, which includes validation and alignment with the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology—an internationally recognized system for ecosystem classification. This rigorous process ensures that the atlas serves as a reliable and scientifically credible source of ecological data.

How the Global Ecosystem Atlas Benefits Different Sectors

The Global Ecosystem Atlas provides a standardized and reliable source of ecosystem data, which is valuable to multiple sectors:

  • Policy Development and Environmental Management: Equipped with reliable, high-quality data, policymakers will be better positioned to develop effective policies for ecosystem conservation, restoration, and management. Having access to standardized ecosystem maps allows for more precise planning and impact assessments.

  • Corporate Strategy and Risk Management: For businesses, particularly those with environmental impacts, the atlas can aid in incorporating ecological risks into business strategies, helping to identify and mitigate potential environmental liabilities.

  • Financial Institutions and Development Banks: Sustainable development projects are a priority for financial institutions worldwide. By leveraging the Global Ecosystem Atlas, banks and investors can ensure that funded projects meet sustainability benchmarks, aligning with climate and conservation goals.

  • Local Community Empowerment: The atlas empowers local communities to better manage their lands and resources by integrating traditional knowledge with scientific insights. This accessibility to robust ecological data can foster improved natural resource management and land stewardship at the grassroots level.

Precedents for the Global Ecosystem Atlas Approach

While the Global Ecosystem Atlas is the first tool of its kind at a global level, the concept of data-centric environmental management has seen success in certain countries, notably South Africa and Mozambique.

In South Africa, ecosystem mapping has been an integral conservation strategy for decades. By pooling the knowledge of ecologists and data from diverse sources, South Africa has produced maps of around 1,000 ecosystem types. This database has played a crucial role in guiding conservation efforts, spatial planning, and environmental impact assessments in the country.

Mozambique has also followed South Africa’s lead in adopting ecosystem mapping for conservation planning, particularly in areas that need prioritized restoration. With the Global Ecosystem Atlas, countries can now enhance their conservation efforts by aligning national data with global standards, improving the quality and consistency of ecosystem monitoring, and addressing any discrepancies in ecosystem classification, especially in border regions.

Conclusion

The launch of the Global Ecosystem Atlas at COP-16 marks a significant advancement in global environmental management. By combining cutting-edge technology with high-quality data sources, the atlas offers a powerful resource for understanding, conserving, and managing ecosystems on a global scale. This pioneering tool not only empowers governments, businesses, and local communities to make informed decisions but also aligns global conservation efforts by providing universal access to reliable ecological data. As the world seeks sustainable pathways, this atlas could become a cornerstone for coordinated, effective, and scalable environmental action across borders.

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