Title

A Global System for Monitoring Ecosystem Service Change

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

BioScience

Publication Date

11-2012

Volume

62

Issue

11

First Page

977

Last Page

986

Abstract

Earth's life-support systems are in flux, yet no centralized system to monitor and report these changes exists. Recognizing this, 77 nations agreed to establish the Group on Earth Observations (GEO). The GEO Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON) integrates existing data streams into one platform in order to provide a more complete picture of Earth's biological and social systems. We present a conceptual framework envisioned by the GEO BON Ecosystem Services Working Group, designed to integrate national statistics, numerical models, remote sensing, and in situ measurements to regularly track changes in ecosystem services across the globe. This information will serve diverse applications, including stimulating new research and providing the basis for assessments. Although many ecosystem services are not currently measured, others are ripe for reporting. We propose a framework that will continue to grow and inspire more complete observation and assessments of our planet's life-support systems.

Keywords

biodiversity, GEO BON, global change, sustainability, trade-offs

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1525/bio.2012.62.11.7

Rights

© 2012 American Institute of Biological Sciences

This document is currently not available here.

Request Access

Share

COinS