Biodiversity intelligence from satellites

Monitoring that the natural environment is being used in accordance with sustainability or conservation rules is often difficult or beyond the means of governments and other interested parties. Satellite technology provides a means for helping provide the data/information necessary for monitoring natural resource use. This chapter discusses the utilisation of satellite technology by Brazilian and Australian governments and NGOs. The Australian examples derive predominantly from use of satellite technology in the control of water use. Brazilian examples mostly concern how satellite technology has been used to track habitat destruction. Though satellite use is clearly useful in aiding governance, the challenge for both countries is to provide and enable satellite data to be used to the best effect.