Earth observation data in the service of biodiversity protection: integrating Dynamic Habitat Indices in nature conservation in Greece

Earth observation data are widely used for mapping and assessing ecosystem extent, condition (abiotic, biotic and landscape characteristics), as well as their ecosystem services. However, earth observation data and products integration in biodiversity conservation is limited, especially when considering regional and local (large) scales, and is mainly depended on data availability at scales and/or thematic detail adequate for operational assessments. The Dynamic Habitat Indices are well established remotely sensed indices that have been explored for biodiversity assessments from global to national scales. Several studies have demonstrated the linkages of Dynamic Habitat Indices as indicators of aboveground vegetation productivity with species richness. Yet very few studies have explored their use at the local scale. In this communication, we present the first outcomes of local scale assessments, conducted under the LIFE IP 4 NATURA national project, where the sensitivity of the Dynamic Habitat Indices has been evaluated, utilizing multitemporal Sentinel-2 imagery, to explain species richness patterns at the local scale within Natura 2000 protected area network sites in Greece. Open access, spatial mapping data on habitat types, derived from the national Natura 2000 mapping and monitoring assessments for Special Areas for Conservation, as well as vegetation sampling plots (point data), and avifauna records, derived from recent field surveys, were used for interpreting the Dynamic Habitat Indices outcomes with real life conditions and simultaneously explored the strength of the relationships across different habitat types. The preliminary results indicate the great potential of Dynamic Habitat Indices for supporting biodiversity conservation and management at the local (large) scale. Our findings demonstrate how earth observation data and products can be combined with field data to produce a holistic framework for supporting scientific-based decision and policy making, acting as a crucial scientific tool that will “push” again biodiversity and nature conservation high on the political agenda, from the local to international scale.