Global Biodiversity Observatory to Reverse the Sixth Extinction

100&Change:2021
AZ Board of Regents

Global Biodiversity Observatory to Reverse the Sixth Extinction is a novel constellation of small satellites that will drive a global decision-support system and social movement to empower people to rapidly reduce biodiversity loss worldwide.

Last Updated: September 2024
Competition Participation
100 & Change logo
100&Change:2021
Subject
Climate Change & Environment
  • Dominican Republic
  • Malaysia
  • Peru
  • United States of America
  • Virgin Islands (U.S.)
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  • Adults (19+)
  • 13. Climate action
  • 14. Life below water
  • 15. Life on land

Executive Summary

Earth is undergoing a mass extinction of biological diversity due to human-driven dismantling and disruption of natural ecosystems. Economically isolated countries, with high natural capital and greater development needs, suffer the most from a lack of up-to-date data 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 biodiversity and landscape monitoring technology, used on piloted aircraft in multiple developing countries. The technology has empowered organizations and clearly benefited ecosystems and communities.

The Global Biodiversity Observatory project will expand Imaging Spectroscopy to all countries across the globe by placing miniaturized Imaging Spectrometers on Earth-orbiting satellites. Connected through artificial intelligence, this network will drive a new, internationally accessible decision-support system, empowering a rapid reversal of biodiversity loss. Our initiative also will provide cost-effective data solutions through our global partners to maximize the benefits of decision making and improve public knowledge.

Organization Details
Lead Organization

AZ Board of Regents

website: http://www.asufoundation.org
Organization Headquarters
Arizona, United States of America
Organization ID
86-6051042
Number of Full-time Employees
101 to 300
Annual Operating Budget
> $1 Billion
Type
Nonprofit

Charity, fund, non-governmental organization, religious institution, school, or other entity

Organizations may provide budget and employee data based on this proposal or the organization as a whole. For more information on this proposal or organization, please email us.

Accomplishments

GBO now sees a much stronger need for a coastal-land-ocean monitoring program, a critical gap among all NGO/government agencies of the world. We now own and operate the Coral Atlas, which maps and monitors the world's coral reefs in unprecedented detail. We need to add 100 km of inland lands worldwide, including "wet" ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass beds, and non-coral reefs such as rock and algal reefs.

Help Fund Bold Solutions

Learn more and help fund this highly-rated project:

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