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2024 Dragon Symposium
10 - 14 February 2025 ESA-ESRIN, Frascati - Italy

BioSpace25 - Biodiversity insight from Space

Submission for Workshop proposals is CLOSED Submission for abstracts (oral/poster) is CLOSED

Partner organisations

Background

BIOSPACE25 is the first international conference exclusively dedicated to the application of Satellite Remote Sensing (SRS) across the various dimensions of biodiversity, and addressing the use of Earth Observations in all realms, from terrestrial, freshwater, coastal to marine ecosystems. 

It is the first edition of a series of BIOSPACE conferences that ESA and its partners intend to organise on a regular basis and which aim to bring together an interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral community of experts in biodiversity and conservation, made of specialists in satellite remote sensing for biodiversity, biodiversity scientists, field ecologists, biodiversity monitoring practitioners, data providers and biodiversity policy stakeholders from governments, international organizations and NGOs.  

The goal of the BIOSPACE conferences is to offer insightful exploration of critical biodiversity challenges that Earth Observation systems should primarily address, to showcase cutting-edge SRS solutions in different biodiversity domains, and to foster collaborative efforts to advance the use and impact of Earth Observation in biodiversity science, monitoring and policy implementation. 

The BIOSPACE25 conference is organised jointly by the European Space Agency, the European Commission, the Group on Earth Observations Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS), in collaboration with a number of partner organisations.  

Objectives

The BIOSPACE25 conference aims to present state-of-the-art SRS methodologies and technological solutions for biodiversity, to explore their uptake across various biodiversity domains, and to review the challenges that need to be primarily addressed to enhance the use of Earth Observations in biodiversity research and monitoring. The ultimate objective is to highlight the importance of collaborative efforts to integrate SRS technology at the forefront of biodiversity research, monitoring systems, and policy development and implementation strategies, and provide robust and cost-effective EO solutions that help countries implement effective National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).   

Participants will gain insights into the latest development in Space-based biodiversity monitoring, engage in discussions on the integration of SRS technology into biodiversity research, monitoring, and policy development and implementation, and contribute to shaping future directions in the field of biodiversity monitoring from Space.

Key scientific discussion topics include: 

  • enhancing the fundamental understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics;  
  • exploring the links between biodiversity and ecosystem integrity;  
  • assessing the status of ecosystems and quantifying the impacts of the main direct drivers of changes;  
  • understanding the adverse impacts of climate change on biodiversity;  
  • investigating the main evolutionary changes of biodiversity and better predicting their trajectories;  
  • implementing transformative changes such as Nature-Based Solutions (NBS);  
  • prioritizing, designing and monitoring conservation/restoration actions.

The conference will also cover policy-related aspects such as the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, as well as the needs for financial institutions and companies to integrate nature-related risks and opportunities into their decision-making processes (e.g. TNFD). 

Conference Structure

The conference is designed to be dynamic and participatory, featuring interactive sessions to review the importance of SRS technology in the different biodiversity domains. 

The BIOSPACE25 conference will include: 

  • plenary sessions with invited speakers to present and discuss the importance of Earth Observations to address critical biodiversity issues.  
  • thematic sessions (based on abstracts submissions) that will provide insights into the latest advancements in leveraging SRS technology for biodiversity science and monitoring.  
  • small participatory workshops (based on workshop proposals) to foster dialogues on key aspects of biodiversity.   
  • poster sessions providing a platform for participants to showcase their projects, facilitating networking and exchange of ideas.  

The conference will be held in person, with the possibility to remotely follow the plenary sessions via video streaming. 
The thematic sessions and workshops will be exclusively held in person.  

Biodiversity Topics

Topics of interest of the Conference include, but are not limited to:  

Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) Monitoring key biodiversity variables from Space to support the understanding, reporting, and management of biodiversity changes. 
Ecosystem / Plant Traits Measuring critical vegetation traits for understanding ecosystem structure and function using satellite remote sensing. 
Ecosystem Structure Monitoring with satellite remote sensing the spatial arrangement and physical characteristics of vegetation and habitats within ecosystems, identifying variations in canopy cover, plant height, and landscape heterogeneity. 
Ecosystem Functions Monitoring with satellite remote sensing ecosystem processes such as photosynthetic activity, biomass production, or nutrient cycling to assess ecosystem health and functioning (including functional diversity). 
Species Distribution  Predicting and assessing the distribution of species across habitats using satellite remote sensing data. 
Genetic Diversity and Space Integrating genetic data with EO data to monitor genetic diversity within species. 
Phylogeny and Biogeography  Using satellite remote sensing to study the evolutionary relationships (phylogenetic lineages and diversity) and geographic distribution of species. 
Ecosystem IntegrityUsing satellite remote sensing to evaluate the health and functioning of ecosystems. 
Ecosystem Vulnerability and Resilience Assessing with EO data the capacity of ecosystems to recover from disturbances. 
Red list of Ecosystems  Identifying and monitoring ecosystems at risk of collapse with EO data. 
Habitat MappingUsing satellite remote sensing to map habitat suitability and key characteristics (e.g., openness, nesting sites, fruiting, phenology), providing insights into habitat quality and linking these features to animal movements, distribution and behaviour. 
Habitat ChangeMonitoring and detecting alterations in habitat types and extents, using satellite remote sensing to assess impacts on species and guide conservation efforts. 
Habitat Fragmentation Monitoring with satellite remote sensing the fragmentation of habitats into smaller, isolated patches and its impact on biodiversity.
Landscape Connectivity Studying with satellite remote sensing the connectivity of the landscape and its importance for habitat resilience and species movement 
Migratory Species Tracking Using remote sensing to track the movements and habitats of migratory species. 
Drivers of Biodiversity Changes Investigating with satellite remote sensing natural and anthropogenic factors driving changes in biodiversity.
Biodiversity and Land Use / Sea Use ChangesLeveraging satellite remote sensing to monitor and analyze the effects of land cover and sea use changes on biodiversity, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and ecosystem degradation. 
Biodiversity and Climate Change  Studying the impacts of climate change on biodiversity with EO techniques. 
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) Using satellite remote sensing to monitor and manage the spread of non-native species that threaten ecosystems. 
Biodiversity and Pollution Assessing with EO data the effects of pollutants on biodiversity and ecosystems. 
Biodiversity and overexploitation of resources Assessing with EO data the management of natural resources and their effects on biodiversity 
Attribution of Biodiversity Changes to Pressures Identifying and quantifying with satellite remote sensing the drivers and pressures causing biodiversity changes. 
Phenology Exploiting EO data streams to study the timing of biological events and their relationship to climate and environmental changes. 
Future Biodiversity Trajectories Using satellite remote sensing to forecast future changes in biodiversity under different scenarios. 
SEEA Ecosystem Accounting Integrating EO data in the compilation of national ecosystem accounts to support national policies. 
Ecosystem Extent Mapping and monitoring the spatial extent of ecosystems with EO data. 
Ecosystem Condition Assessing the health of ecosystems with EO data, in alignment with the SEEA Ecosystem Accounting framework, helping to track changes in ecosystem condition and support sustainable management practices. 
Ecosystem Services Assessing with satellite remote sensing the benefits ecosystems provide to humans, such as clean water, climate regulation, or pollination.
Biodiversity Indicators for Policy Making Developing indicators based on EO data that can inform and guide biodiversity policies and conservation strategies. 
Ecosystem Conservation Establishing EO best practices for conserving ecosystems and protected areas and monitoring the effectiveness of conservation measures. 
Biodiversity Hotspots Identifying and monitoring with EO data geographical areas with exceptionally high levels of biodiversity.  
Ecosystem Restoration Using satellite remote sensing to assess the degradation of ecosystems, identify key intervention areas and evaluate the effectiveness of restoration actions over time, and in support to the implementation of international and European relevant policies.   
Nature Based Solutions (NBS) Using satellite remote sensing to plan, monitor, report and evaluate the effectiveness of Nature-Based Solutions in the provision of ecosystem services
such as climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction, and to empower communities of users.
Indigenous communities and biodiversityEmpowering indigenous communities and leveraging their knowledge for biodiversity and NBS monitoring and reporting, as a basis for supporting EO data
Agriculture and Biodiversity Leveraging EO data to support the balancing of agricultural practices with biodiversity conservation actions. 
Urban Biodiversity Planning and managing biodiversity within urban environments using EO data. 
Marine Biodiversity Assessing with EO data the diversity of life in marine ecosystems and their response to environmental changes. 
Island and Coastal Biodiversity Assessing with EO data the diversity of life in small islands and coastal regions, and analyzing the impacts of natural and anthropogenic changes on these ecosystems. 
Freshwater Biodiversity Investigating with EO data the variety of life within freshwater ecosystems, including rivers and lakes, understanding their ecological dynamics and responses to human activities and climate change. 
Wetland Biodiversity Monitoring with EO data the diversity of life in wetland ecosystems, and examining their vulnerability to environmental changes. 
Forest Biodiversity Monitoring with EO data the biodiversity within forest ecosystems by assessing forest structure, functions and species composition, forest health and impacts of deforestation, climate change, and conservation practices. 
Tropical Biodiversity Exploring with EO data the rich and diverse biological communities in tropical regions, their unique ecosystems, and the impact of deforestation and climate change.
Grassland and Savannah Biodiversity Monitoring with EO data the biodiversity within grassland and savannah ecosystems, assessing the impacts of land-use changes, agricultural practices, and climate change on these habitats. 
Dryland Biodiversity Investigating with EO data the biodiversity of arid and semi-arid regions, focusing on the resilience of species and ecosystems to drought, desertification, and human activities. 
Mountain Biodiversity Assessing with EO data the biodiversity in mountainous regions, including the impacts of climate gradients and land-use changes on these ecosystems. 
Artic Biodiversity Examining with EO data the biodiversity in polar regions, including the Arctic and Antarctic, and studying how these extreme environments and their species are affected by climate change and human activities. 
Citizen Science and Remote Sensing Engaging the public in biodiversity monitoring using remote sensing technologies. 
Biodiversity Finance Exploring the integration of EO data into biodiversity-related financial mechanisms and investments, and in the quantification of dependencies and impacts on nature of financial institutions and companies. 

Abstract Submissions

The thematic sessions will be organised based on abstract submissions that will be reviewed by the members of the Scientific Committee.  

To contribute to the thematic sessions, please submit your abstract, indicating up to five relevant topics from the list provided above and specifying your preferred presentation type (oral or poster). Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words. Please include the names, affiliations, and contact emails of all co-authors. 

There are no predefined thematic sessions. The Programme Committee will determine the sessions based on the evaluation of submitted abstracts and recommendations from the Scientific Committee. Sessions will be organised according to the number of accepted oral presentations and the biodiversity topics they cover. 

The chairs of the thematic sessions will be nominated by the Programme Committee. They will be responsible for moderating the sessions, for preparing brief reports summarising the content and recommendation of their sessions and for presenting their summaries at the conference wrap-up session scheduled for the morning of Friday 14th February.  

Workshop Proposal Submissions

The BIOSPACE25 conference offers an opportunity to organise small workshops aimed at fostering in-depth discussions on key aspects of satellite remote sensing for biodiversity.  Each workshop should last half a day and be conducted in an open and participatory format, encouraging active engagement and contribution from the conference participants. 

To propose a workshop, please submit the following details: the workshop title, the names and affiliations of the organisers, a brief description (up to 300 words) outlining the objectives and expected outcomes of the workshop, and the preferred number of participants. Additionally, you can also specify any technical or logistical support requirements.

Workshop room allocations (small, medium, or large rooms) will be based on the number of accepted workshops and expected attendance as determined by the Programme Committee. 

The Workshop Organizers are also requested to prepare a brief report summarizing their workshop’s discussions and present this summary during the conference wrap-up session

Registration

The online registration for participation to the BIOSPACE25 Conference will open on 11 December 2024, following the acceptance of submissions (oral presentations in thematic sessions, posters, participatory workshops).

We sincerely apologise that, due to the high volume of submissions, in-person participation will be limited to accepted presenters (oral and posters), workshop organisers, invited speakers, and members of the Programme and Scientific Committees. For those unable to attend in person, we are pleased to inform you that all sessions held in the large conference rooms will be streamed live.

Programme of the Conference

The preliminary programme of the conference will be published on
09 December 2024

Schedule and Deadlines

Abstract and workshop submission opening04 September 2024
Abstract and workshop submission closure07 November 2024
Notification of acceptance05 December 2024
Registration Opening11 December 2024
Issue of Preliminary Programme09 December 2024
Registration Closing20 January 2025
Issue of Final Programme27 January 2025
Workshop10 – 14 February 2025

ESA Organising Committee

Clement Albergel

European Space Agency – ESA

Beatrice Barresi

European Space Agency – ESA

Alina Blume

European Space Agency – ESA

Marco Celesti

European Space Agency – ESA

Javier Concha

SERCO c/o ESA

Agata Elia

European Space Agency – ESA

Diego Fernandez

European Space Agency – ESA

Marie-Claire Greening

European Space Agency – ESA

Sophie Hebden

European Space Agency – ESA

Isabella Houghton

OLLY services c/o ESA

Francesca Leonelli

European Space Agency – ESA

Sabrina Lodadio

SERCO c/o ESA

Stefanie Lumnitz

European Space Agency – ESA

Federica Marando

European Space Agency – ESA

Nikolina Mileva

European Space Agency – ESA

Giuseppe Ottavianelli

European Space Agency – ESA

Marc Paganini

European Space Agency – ESA

Irene Renis

Serco spa c/o European Space Agency, ESA

Marie-Helene Rio

European Space Agency – ESA

Ulla Vayrynen

SERCO c/o ESA

Lorenza Versace

OLLY services c/o ESA

Programme Committee

Susana Baena

UNEP WCMC

Madeeha Bajwa

GEO Secretariat

Bastian Bertzky

EC RTD

Ivan Conesa Alcolea

EC RTD

Roshanak Darvishzadeh

ITC

Gilles Doignon

EC RTD

Grégoire Dubois

EC JRC

Antonio Ferraz

NASA JPL

Gary Geller

CEOS, NASA JPL

Rob Hendriks

BIODIVERSA+

Sotirios Kanellopoulos

DG ENV

Cornelia Krug

bioDISCOVERY

Stefanie Lumnitz

ESA c/o EC RTD

Nicholas Macfarlane

IUCN, USA

Philippe Maisongrande

CNES

Federica Marando

ESA

Andres Marmol

EUROPABON

Andrus Meiner

EEA

Katie L Millette

GEO BON

Osamu Ochiai

JAXA

Marc Paganini

ESA

Jan-Erik Petersen

EEA

Isabella Pratesi

WWF Italy

Steven Ramage

CEOS

Maria Santos

UZH

Fabian Schneider

Aarhus University

Marialuisa Tamborra

EC JRC

Woody Turner

NASA

Christelle Vancutsem

EC JRC

Lucie Viciano

CSA

Petteri Vihervaara

BIODIVERSA+

Scientific Committee

Anna Maria Addamo

North University, NO

Domingo Alcaraz-Segura

University of Granada, ES

Javier Babi Almenar

Politecnic University of Milan, IT

Susana Baena

UNEP WCMC, UK

Ana Bastos

MPI-BGC, DE

Jeannine Cavender-Bares

Harvard University Herbaria, US

David Coomes

University of Cambridge, UK

Nicholas Coops

University of British Colombia, CA

Kyla Marie Dahlin

Michigan State University, US

Roshanak Darvishzadeh

ITC, NL

Laurent Durieux

IRD, FR

Gregory Duveiller

MPI-BGC, DE

Jean-Baptiste Feret

INRAE, FR

Pierre Gernez

Nantes University, FR

Mike Harfoot

Vizzuality, UK

Leon Hauser

UZH, CH

Erin Hestir

University of California, Merced, US

Margarita Huesca

ITC, NL

Pedro J. Leitão

Leipzig University, DE

Sandra Luque

INRAE, FR

Dania Abdul Malak

ETC-UMA, ES

Andres Marmol

IDIV, DE

Maria Pilar Martín

CSIC/SpecLab, ES

Victor Martinez Vicente

PML, UK

Mélodie A. McGeoch

Monash University, AU

Carsten Meyer

IDIV, DE

Sander Mucher

WUR, NL

Frank Muller Karger

University of South Florida, US

Jana Mullerova

UJEP (J. E. Purkyne University in Usti n. L.), CZ

Nick Murray

Global Ecology Lab, James Cook University, AU

Elsa Ordway

UCLA, US

Emanuele Organelli

CNR ISMAR, IT

Javier Pacheco Labrador

CSIC, ES

Nicolas Pade

EMBRC-ERIC

Henrik J. Persson

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE

Petra Philipson

Brockman Geomatics, SE

Jesus Pinto-Ledezma

University of Minnesota, US

Antonello Provenzale

CNR IGG, IT

Julien Radoux

Université Catholique de Louvain, BE

Ruben Remelgado

University of Bonn, DE

Duccio Rocchini

University of Bologna, IT

Claudia Röösli

UZH, CH

Christian Rossi

Swiss National Park, CH

Micol Rossini

UNIMIB, IT

Maria Santos

UZH, CH

Gabriela Schaepman-Strub

University of Zurich, CH

Fabian Schneider

Aarhus University, DK

Anna Schweiger

Montana State University, USA

Alessandro Sebastiani

ENEA-SSPT, IT

Andrew Skidmore

ITC, NL

Bruno Smets

VITO, BE

Ana Spinosa

Deltares, TU DELFT, NL

Wilfried Thuiller

CNRS, FR

Joris Timmermans

TU Delft, NL

Davnah Urbach

GMBA, University of Bern, CH

Ruben Valbuena

Swedisch University of Agricultural Sciences, SE

Heidi van Deventer

CSIR, SA

Petteri Vihervaara

Finnish Environment Institute, FI

Paolo Villa

CNR, IT

Adam M. Wilson

University of Buffalo, US

Laura Zoffoli

CNR ISMAR, IT

Grazia Zulian

University of Hannover, DE

Mayra Zurbaran Nucci

JRC, Italy

Venue

ESA – ESRIN

Largo Galileo Galilei n. 1
00044 Frascati
Italy

Contact info

For information regarding the submissions, author instructions, scientific committee related inquiries please contact

EO4Society.Conf@esa.int
For information regarding the logistics of the venue place, support with logistics booking, registration and the VISA invitation letter requests, please contact

events.organisation@esa.int