UNEP-WCMC Impact Report

Image: Adobe Stock / 610119624

Countries need spatial intelligence (spatial data, analysis and visualization) to successfully deliver on their commitments for nature and climate. Spatial data on nature, carbon, infrastructure, natural resource rights and more will allow countries to track land-use impacts and to chart long-term strategies towards sustainable land- use and food systems. Yet, insufficient use is made of spatial intelligence for operationalizing targets, developing strategies and monitoring progress. In 2022, we co-led the inception phase of SPACES, a new initiative that focuses on mobilizing spatial intelligence to better act on commitments and targets, frame integrated strategies for nature, and promote transparency and accountability.

We created a key pool of information on spatial intelligence and planning, established the needs and opportunities of countries and the private sector and paved the way for countries to integrate spatial intelligence as they work to deliver on the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. A key outcome of this phase is the formation of a coalition that will support countries as they develop, finance and implement spatially-explicit planning in their efforts to meet climate and nature targets.