How Earth Observation can support genetic diversity monitoring from Space

Meredith Christine Schuman , Claudia Röösli, Alicia Mastretta-Yanes, Isabelle S. Helfenstein, Oliver Selmoni, Cristiano Vernesi, Katie L. Millette, Wolke Tobón-Niedfeldt, Clement Albergel, Deborah M. Leigh, Sophie Hebden, Sean M. Hoban, Santiago G. Lago, Michael E Schaepman, Linda Laikre, Ghassem R Asrar

Genetic diversity within and among populations is essential for species persistence. Yet, genetic diversity is challenging to measure at scales relevant for many biodiversity patterns and processes, such as the range of a species or the extent of an ecosystem; or for biodiversity management, such as the territory of a country. Conservationists, ecosystem managers, and Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) all require reliable and efficient assessments of genetic diversity at scales relevant for policy- and decision-making. Researchers require measures of genetic diversity at scales relevant for predicting and understanding biodiversity change. Here, we describe how space-based Earth observation (EO) can make essential contributions to the assessment and monitoring of genetic diversity indicators at relevant scales. We introduce a stepwise workflow for integrating EO accessibly into existing genetic diversity monitoring approaches as part of biodiversity mapping and inventorying activities. We show how this approach can empower progress towards the aims of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and aligned efforts. As an outlook, we discuss examples using EO data for research into the genetic diversity of populations, for suitable species.