Monitoring satellite remote sensing essential biodiversity variables to guide management in the Spanish National Park Network

Abstract

Based on the use of Satellite Remote Sensing - Essential Biodiversity Variables (SRS-EBVs), we developed a monitoring system (REMOTE) to guide management in the Spanish National Park Network. REMOTE is based on the analysis of time-series of satellite images of spectral vegetation indices (Product MOD13Q1), using free and open-source software. The system derives maps and plots with reference conditions, temporal anomalies, and long-term trends of three aspects of the seasonal dynamics of vegetation greenness: annual productivity, seasonality, and phenology. The information is produced at three different levels: network, national park, and ecosystem. REMOTE is used by the Network managers to inform on changes in ecosystem functioning, biodiversity status, and intermediate ecosystem services, that track the effects of both environmental changes and management actions. REMOTE is the result of the dialogue between scientists and managers, and represents a way to compile and process satellite-derived information with ecological meaning to society and policy.