Practice Abstract - Research and innovation

Monitoring nature: remote sensing as a key enabler of nature-based solutions

Nature-based solutions (NBS) aim to address societal and environmental challenges through the sustainable use of nature. However, their design and implementation require robust, continuous environmental data to guide planning and assess effectiveness. Traditional field-based monitoring is often too costly, time-consuming, or spatially limited to provide the required information at scale. Remote sensing bridges this gap by offering consistent, spatially explicit, and regularly updated environmental data. It supports the early identification of priority intervention areas, baseline assessments, and long-term impact monitoring. In a changing climate, where adaptive management is crucial, these capabilities are essential to the resilience and success of NBS.

Remote sensing supports NBS implementation in multiple strategic ways:

  • Scalability – Satellite data enables consistent monitoring across cities, regions, or countries, helping planners prioritize based on ecosystem trends.
  • Repeatability – Frequent data acquisition supports tracking seasonal dynamics, vegetation cycles, and ecological responses to NBS.
  • Cost-efficiency – Open-access platforms like Copernicus (Sentinel) and Landsat lower monitoring costs and expand stakeholder access.
  • Integration potential – Combining remote sensing with field surveys, IoT, or modeling improves multi-source environmental assessment.
  • Transparency – Public data fosters accountability and trust through visual, data-driven reporting.
  • Indicator tracking – Supports monitoring of indicators like NDVI, land surface temperature, water availability, and urban heat island effects.
  • Climate resilience – Time-series analysis informs adaptive strategies by identifying long-term environmental trends.
  • Risk assessment – Enables early detection of stressors like drought, flooding, or degradation, supporting timely NBS responses.

Additional information

Within trans4num, a dedicated Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) site in Hungary demonstrates how remote sensing supports sustainable land management. The site applies drone monitoring and GIS to track land cover, vegetation health, and water dynamics, enabling adaptive management and long-term impact assessment. Drones provide high-resolution data and flexibility, complementing satellites by filling spatial and temporal gaps. The approach emphasizes accessibility using open tools like QGIS and Google Earth Engine, and low-cost drone tech to support uptake by small municipalities or civil groups. Capacity-building is central, with trainings and workshops enabling stakeholders to collect, process, and interpret spatial data. The NBS site serves as a practical, scalable model of how geospatial tools and collaboration can advance effective and inclusive nature-based solutions.

Challenges

  • Expert knowledge is required to interpret remote sensing data
  • Cloud cover limits the usability of optical satellite imagery
  • Technical and financial barriers hinder small stakeholders' access
  • Data integration issues affect consistency across different sources
  • Institutional gaps and regulations can delay effective implementation

Resources 

  • Open or commercial satellite imagery for regular environmental monitoring
  • GIS and image processing software like QGIS or GEE
  • Trained personnel with expertise in remote sensing and analysis
  • Sufficient computing infrastructure for data storage and processing
  • Institutional support to integrate results into decision-making processes

 

Source Project
Transformation for sustainable nutrient supply and management
Ongoing | 2022-2026
Main funding source
Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
Geographical location
Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Romania, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, China
Project details

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