Monitoring land cover change to understand biodiversity pressures

Land cover changes have significant implications for biodiversity. Recent advances in computational methods and increased Earth observation data availability allow for analyses at unprecedented levels of detail, both in terms of accuracy and years available. This paper builds on previous OECD work to develop a set of indicators assessing land cover and land cover conversions with likely biodiversity pressures on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Key land cover conversions include tree cover loss and gain, cropland expansion and contraction, and urban and infrastructure development. The paper presents key results for 49 OECD and partner countries, showing that many countries have experienced a decline in natural and semi-natural vegetated land since the baseline year of 2000.