Executive Summary:

Earth is undergoing a mass extinction of biological diversity due to the human-driven dismantling and disruption of natural ecosystems. Low-to-middle income countries, with high natural capital and greater development needs, suffer the most from ongoing data gaps on land use, reef use, biodiversity, carbon storage, and other critical environmental decision-making factors. The MacArthur Foundation’s prior investments resulted in Imaging Spectroscopy, a technology deployed on piloted aircraft in multiple developing countries. Application of this technology has empowered organizations and clearly benefited ecosystems and communities. Our project will extend this technology to all countries on a global scale. The Global Biodiversity Observatory will employ Earth-orbiting satellites with miniaturized Imaging Spectrometers connected through artificial intelligence to drive a new internationally accessible decision-support system; empowering a rapid reversal of biodiversity loss; providing cost effective data solutions through our global partners to maximize decision impact; and improving public knowledge.