About us

What is the Global Ecosystems Atlas?

Convened by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), the Global Ecosystems Atlas is a cross-sector collaborative initiative to map and monitor the world's ecosystems, providing dynamic visualisations of natural environments.

The Atlas will empower decision-makers with insights for sustainable development and a deeper understanding of Earth's ecological diversity. It will provide everything you need to know about the distribution, change, condition and risks of ecosystems worldwide.

The Atlas will combine existing high-quality ecosystem maps and new ecosystem maps to fill data gaps. By enabling collaboration across sectors and countries, the Atlas will generate knowledge and insights on ecosystems, help improve and scale existing initiatives, and enhance consistency and coherence in stock-taking, reporting, and decision-making.

Global Ecosystems Atlas

What is GEO?

GEO was born from the simple idea that Earth observation data should be universally accessible to support evidence-based decision-making regardless of location or capacity.

Our vision

This vision translates into real-world impact through accessible Earth Observation tools and initiatives like the Global Ecosystems Atlas.

The stakes are high in our efforts to restore our fragile balance with nature by deepening our understanding of ecosystems and expanding collective action to protect our shared environment. Now is the time to include all ecosystems in our planet’s story. GEO works to unify us through the power of Earth intelligence.

Find out more about GEO: earthobservations.org/mission

Our Partners

The Atlas thrives through collaboration with science-based conservation organisations, academia, data and technology providers, and governmental bodies. These partnerships are essential for gathering data, sharing expertise and promoting the Atlas platform.

Supported by

  • Convention on Biological Diversity
  • Ramsar
  • Resilience frontiers
  • United Nations - Convention to Combat Desertification
  • United Nations - Framework Convention on Climate Change

FUNDED BY

  • Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs
  • United Nations - Environment programme

In partnership with

  • Centre for Ecosystem Science
  • Esri
  • GBIF
  • IUCN
  • James Cook University
  • Planet
  • UNEP - WCMC
  • UNSW
  • USGS
  • Villars institute

About the data and methods

The Global Ecosystems Atlas offers data on ecosystems that have been scientifically validated and harmonised with the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology - a common international system for classifying ecosystems across terrestrial, freshwater and marine realms. Explore the catalogue of carefully vetted datasets behind the platform to gain deeper insights into the building blocks of the Atlas and enhance your research and ecosystem mapping projects.

Global Ecosystems Atlas data

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