Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Geodiversity EuroGEO Action Group (BEG)The Biodiversity, Ecosystems and Geodiversity Action Group is examining the latest advancements within the context of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and overarching European initiatives. As part of this collaboration, participants engage in discussion sessions to strengthen connections between different levels of actions and to address upcoming challenges. Special emphasis is placed on integrating international, European, and national levels, highlighting the potential contributions of EuroGEO to the GEO strategy post-2025 and the provision of actionable knowledge.
The missions and goals of BEG-AG are fully aligned with the GEO post-2025 strategy, focusing on the need to provide actionable insights based on Earth Observation (EO) data. In its activities, there is a strong emphasis on co-creating early detection products with users to identify ecosystem degradation or disturbances in bio- and geodiversity and to respond effectively in order to restore the balance between human well-being and the health of our planet. The BEG-AG aims to develop solutions through interdisciplinary and intergenerational collaboration.
The BEG-AG members highlight the importance of strong interaction between ground-based and remote research, as well as the interplay of measurement, monitoring, experimentation and modelling approaches and the combined use of expertise from various scientific fields (e.g., economics, biology, social sciences, remote sensing, geology). This approach helps to incorporate socio-economic factors into EO solutions, taking into account human behavior and societal impacts.
Ensuring access to EO-based tools for monitoring changes in ecosystems in resource-limited regions, such as African countries or the Arctic, is one of the priorities for BEG-AG members. This increases positive impacts on local communities, for example, by mitigating potential conflicts or the effects of climate change due to the use of natural resources. Members from the academic community actively work not only to educate future generations but also to provide a practical path for preserving a sustainable world. Participation in networks and project initiatives with international partners ensures coordinated implementation actions and shapes government policy, which accelerates impact on the environment and civil society, and indirectly on the economy as well.
EuroGEO is the Europe’s part of the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), a worldwide network dedicated to collect and share vital information, ranging from satellite images to in-situ measurements, to create a comprehensive view of our planet well-being. The initiative will focus on the following strategic actions: Engaging with a broad range of users in Europe for identifying their needs for EO based services or products, Demonstrating existing EO services and products across Europe, Connecting European EO research communities, service providers and the private sector, contributing to the design of a European digital ecosystem, and supporting the consolidation of national GEOs. The EuroGEO bottom up activities are structured in Action Groups. The BEG-AG is one of the action groups under EuroGEO.