Policymakers, financial institutions, private companies and even local communities will be able to use the Atlas. It’ll help to make informed decisions, support sustainability and manage risks.

Closing knowledge gaps

“Ecosystems are our planet’s life support, yet understanding them has been hindered not only by a lack of data but by the complexity of the stakeholder landscape, with many believing agreement on a common tool was impossible. At GEO, we embraced this challenge, moving forward step by step, engaging the right stakeholders, and building the critical mass needed to make it happen,” said Yana Gevorgyan, Director of the GEO Secretariat.

In the face of escalating environmental crises, this innovative tool will help bridge the ecosystem knowledge gap.

Effective action required

“The escalating triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation require immediate and effective action. (…) The Global Ecosystems Atlas is the first intergovernmental effort to develop a collation of the best ecosystem data from countries and it will serve as a critical tool by providing high-quality, reliable data on ecosystems around the world,” said Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The tool will be a game-changer for a better understanding, monitoring, protection and management of ecosystems. The system’s adoption begins with the launch of the proof-of-concept.

Partners and supporters needed

“The Global Ecosystems Atlas represents a significant step forward towards informed and responsible action to protect the ecosystems that are vital to the planet’s future. We urge all stakeholders to join us in realizing its full potential by contributing, utilizing and spreading awareness to foster a sustainable future for generations to come,” said Gevorgyan.

The proof-of-concept is available here.

Text source: GEO