Dr Roslyn Henry (University of Aberdeen), Professor Christos Tachtatzis (University of Strathclyde), Prof Georgios Leontidis (University of Aberdeen), Dr Mikolaj Czerkawski (Asterisk Labs).

The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), adopted in 2022, sets ambitious targets to halt biodiversity loss. Target 10 calls for sustainable management of agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry—yet current monitoring tools fall short, focusing on protected areas and lacking resolution to assess working landscapes. This project addresses that gap by leveraging Earth Observation (EO) data and AI to develop scalable, policy-relevant indicators that link land-use change to biodiversity and ecosystem resilience and agriculture.

The student will develop an end-to-end AI framework using the Major TOM EO dataset and associated embeddings to monitor GBF Target 10, which concerns enhancing Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry. The student will derive indicators of land-use intensity and change, quantify biodiversity outcomes using tools such as the PREDICTS database, and apply the framework globally and in biodiversity hotspots, including the Amazon, Southeast Asia, and Europe. The project will also explore historical EO data (1972–present) to assess biodiversity trajectories and validate predictions using UK agricultural landscapes.

Training will be interdisciplinary, drawing on the extensive expertise of the supervisory team and the integrated training that SUSTAIN AI CDT provides four times a year during co-designed activity weeks. The student will acquire expertise in geospatial data processing, machine learning, ecological and agricultural modelling, and policy translation. They will work across the University of Aberdeen and University of Strathclyde, with support from Asterisk Labs—a leading Earth data innovation partner. Skills developed will include AI model development, EO data curation, biodiversity assessment, and engagement with national and international policy frameworks.