Assessment of forest ecosystem services based on Earth remote sensing data

Abstract

The relevance of ecosystem services assessment as one of EU priorities on biodiversity conservation and environmental management is substantiated. The experience of remote sensing application for direct and indirect assessment of ecosystems structure and biophysical processes that affect the ability of ecosystem to provide appropriate ecosystem services is summarized. A list of indicators of ecosystem functions has been developed, which can be determined according to Earth observation data. The ecosystem services of forests were estimated based on remote sensing data using the example of a test research area of the Drevlyansky Nature Reserve. In particular, the results of the assessment of ecosystem services for carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation and climate regulation (cooling) by the forests of the Drevlyansky Nature Reserve are presented. It was confirmed that Earth observation data allow increasing the accuracy and objectivity of the ecosystem services assessment and mapping and should be used as a tool for the environmental policy implementation and sustainable nature management.