The first edition of the BIOSPACE conference, BIOSPACE25, took place from 10 to 14 February 2025 at ESA ESRIN in Frascati, Italy. 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) brought together a diverse community of experts. These included specialists in satellite remote sensing, biodiversity scientists, field ecologists, biodiversity monitoring practitioners, data providers, and policymakers from governments, international organisations, and NGOs.

As the first international conference dedicated exclusively to the application of Earth Observation in biodiversity research, BIOSPACE25 explored the vital role of satellite remote sensing in biodiversity science, monitoring, and policy implementation. The conference featured a series of plenary and thematic sessions, interactive workshops, and poster presentations. Discussions focused on key biodiversity challenges that satellite remote sensing can address, such as understanding ecosystem dynamics, assessing biodiversity loss, predicting evolutionary changes, and designing effective conservation strategies.

OBSGESSION researchers presented a range of oral talks and posters. In the form of an interactive workshop, led by experts from UNEP-WCMC, the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE), the University of Zurich, the University of Twente, and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), one of the session explored how remote sensing biodiversity products can be developed and strengthened. Participants discussed key challenges, such as detecting biodiversity changes, addressing uncertainties, and bridging the gap between scientific advancements and policy implementation.

Petteri Vihervaara (SYKE) - OBSGESSION’s project coordinator, reflects that the conference emphasises the beginning of a new era of satellite-based biodiversity science. “In the near future, by 2030, Earth Observations should be a routine element for biodiversity monitoring in Europe and globally. This needs also better coordination of in-situ observations, and integration of those both into models supporting decision-making and forecasting of ecosystem changes” says Vihervaara.  

BIOSPACE25 set the stage for future conferences in the BIOSPACE series, providing a platform for advancing research, fostering collaborations, and promoting the integration of Earth Observation into biodiversity science and policy.