Abstract
Although satellite-based variables have for long been expected to be key components
to a unified and global biodiversity monitoring strategy, a definitive and
agreed list of these variables still remains elusive. The growth of interest in biodiversity
variables observable from space has been partly underpinned by the
development of the essential biodiversity variable (EBV) framework by the
Group on Earth Observations – Biodiversity Observation Network, which itself
was guided by the process of identifying essential climate variables. This contribution
aims to advance the development of a global biodiversity monitoring
strategy by updating the previously published definition of EBV, providing a
definition of satellite remote sensing (SRS) EBVs and introducing a set of principles
that are believed to be necessary if ecologists and space agencies are to
agree on a list of EBVs that can be routinely monitored from space. Progress
toward the identification of SRS-EBVs will require a clear understanding of
what makes a biodiversity variable essential, as well as agreement on who the
users of the SRS-EBVs are. Technological and algorithmic developments are
rapidly expanding the set of opportunities for SRS in monitoring biodiversity,
and so the list of SRS-EBVs is likely to evolve over time. This means that a
clear and common platform for data providers, ecologists, environmental managers,
policy makers and remote sensing experts to interact and share ideas
needs to be identified to support long-term coordinated actions.