According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), nearly 75% of the Earth's terrestrial environment and 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human activity, with ecosystem degradation directly affecting 3.2 billion people. The World Ecosystem Extent Dynamics (WEED) project uses Earth Observation data to map and monitor changes in ecosystems, helping guide policy for biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development.

Source : IPBES

The main objective of the World Ecosystem Extent Dynamics project is to develop and showcase a versatile and globally applicable innovative toolkit that utilizes Earth Observation data to map and monitor their changes in extent for terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal (up to the intertidal zones) ecosystems.

The project aims to enhance skills and knowledge through country demonstrations in close collaborations with national authorities, both in Europe and worldwide. 

It will liaise with international efforts an initiatives to support multiple policy frameworks, such as CDB Global Biodiversity Framework, SEEA Ecosystem Accounting, Ramsar, SDG's and Paris agreement on Climate.