Surrey’s Space4Nature project is being highlighted at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, as a leading example of how technology and community action can protect biodiversity. Running from 10–21 November 2025, the UK Government’s pavilion features the project as part of its showcase on innovation tackling global climate and nature challenges.
Space4Nature is co-led by the University of Surrey’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability in partnership with Surrey Wildlife Trust, Buglife, and Painshill Park Trust. The initiative combines advanced satellite imagery, artificial intelligence, and local community data to map and monitor habitats across Surrey. From chalk grasslands to heathlands and acid grasslands, the project helps conservation partners identify where biodiversity is most at risk and target restoration efforts, such as reconnecting fragmented chalk grasslands, sometimes called the “rainforests of Europe” due to their rich biodiversity and carbon storage capacity.
The project’s citizen science programme, led by Surrey Wildlife Trust, trains volunteers to collect field data that is used to refine AI models and create high-resolution habitat maps. Andrew Jamieson, Space4Nature Project Manager at Surrey Wildlife Trust, said: “It’s time for conservation organisations to go beyond traditional approaches. This project shows how combining technology, partnerships, and local knowledge can drive change at a landscape scale.”
Dr Ana Andries, Lecturer in Remote Sensing and GIS at the University of Surrey and project lead, added: “By integrating satellite data, AI, and citizen science, we can reveal where biodiversity is under threat and take action on the ground. Being featured at COP30 demonstrates how local innovation can have global impact.”
Space4Nature was one of the first UK projects to gain Space for Climate Observatory accreditation, recognising its use of Earth observation data for environmental solutions. This year, it was selected as one of just 19 organisations to be showcased at the UK Pavilion, with videos and QR-linked displays presented throughout the conference.
Dr Zoe M Harris, Director of Surrey’s Centre for Environment and Sustainability, said: “Space4Nature embodies our approach to solving environmental challenges by combining disciplines, people, and technology. Its recognition at COP30 reflects Surrey’s leadership in sustainability research and practical solutions for nature recovery.”
