The Global Ecosystems Atlas: Proof-of-Concept Launched at CBD COP16

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) announced the launch of the proof-of-concept of the Global Ecosystems Atlas, the first harmonized resource dedicated to mapping and monitoring all the world’s ecosystems.

Unveiled at the 2024 United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16), at a dedicated high-level side event, the Global Ecosystems Atlas is intended to support the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems, critical to addressing global environmental crises and supporting human wellbeing.

Policymakers, financial institutions, private companies and even local communities will use the Atlas to make informed decisions, support sustainability and manage risks.

The Atlas will also play a crucial role for natural capital accounting. By providing harmonized and reliable global data on the spatial distribution, extent, and eventually condition, of ecosystem types across all realms (terrestrial, freshwater and marine), the Atlas will provide foundational data for integrating natural assets into economic decision-making, guiding more sustainable policies and investments.

Designed cognizant of the needs of the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Ecosystem Accounting, the Atlas will support the compilation of the core set of ecosystem accounts, including by countries that lack national ecosystem maps. The Atlas uses the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology, the reference classification for ecosystem types in SEEA Ecosystem Accounting, as a typology for synthesizing ecosystem information from a range of sources at the level of ecosystem functional groups (level 3 of the Typology), which can be aggregated to biomes (level 2) and realms (level 1). The Atlas will also streamline reporting on the ecosystem-related headline indicators of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), some of which draw on SEEA Ecosystem Accounting.

The launch event highlighted the collaborative journey that brought this initiative to life. Yana Gevorgyan, Director of the GEO Secretariat, emphasized the determination and partnership that made the Atlas possible, stating, “The launch of the Global Ecosystems Atlas proof-of-concept is a testament to perseverance and collaboration, showing that when we come together with intention and purpose, we can overcome obstacles and work towards transformative change.”

Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), highlighted the importance of the resource in meeting global biodiversity targets, adding “If we fail to act, then we will lose ecosystems, lose species and lose more genetic diversity. UNEP is very much in support and understands the need for data driven tools and to act early. We are proud to have been early supporters to the Global Ecosystems Atlas because it provides comprehensive, real time ecosystem data. Never before have we had this. The Global Ecosystems Atlas allows us to make better policies based on the drivers of loss that we are seeing.”

The event featured contributions from global champions and partners. Ministerial-level delegates from the Maldives, South Africa, Mozambique and Norway shared their experiences with ecosystem mapping and emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. Atlas partners from Esri, Allen Institute for AI (Ai2), and the Nature Positive Initiative showcased how the Atlas bridges science, policy, and action to create meaningful change.

Norway’s commitment to the Atlas was reaffirmed through a $2.5 million pledge by NORAD, which will support Phase 1 of the Atlas, set to commence in January 2025.

The Atlas, now available as a proof-of-concept, will continue to evolve as a collaborative resource to support sustainability, manage risks, and guide informed decision-making globally. It serves as a vital tool for achieving the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and ensuring that action is taken where it matters most.

Explore the proof-of-concept at globalecosystemsatlas.org and watch the full launch event here.

Article contributed by the GEO Secretariat.