Satellite remote sensing in the policy sphere

This chapter focuses on the interface between satellite remote sensing and policy relevant to the management of natural resources, looking at ways for this technology to support decision making at the national to international scale. First, it briefly introduces (1) the main international conventions that are relevant to the management of natural resources and that could easily benefit from an increased consideration for satellite remote sensing technology, and (2) the main platforms facilitating the integration of satellite remote sensing data at the convention level. Second, it introduces the most popular conceptual frameworks that are being considered to help coordinate and structure natural resource monitoring efforts worldwide, namely the essential biodiversity variables framework, the biodiversity indicators framework, the ecosystem services framework, and the natural capital accounting framework. The final part highlights current challenges and lists a series of possible ways forward.