Space 4 Sustainability

At Surrey, we harness the power of satellites and Earth observation to tackle real-world challenges — from monitoring biodiversity and climate change to improving education and clean water access. Our research turns space data into solutions that transform lives and support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Meeting sustainability goals using Earth observation

The UN’s (SDGs) aim to eradicate poverty, protect the environment, and promote global well-being by 2030. A significant challenge in achieving these goals is the availability of high-quality, comprehensive data to track progress across the . Traditional data sources, such as national censuses and surveys, are often insufficient, particularly in developing countries where resources for data collection are limited. EO data offers a transformative solution by providing cost-effective, scalable, and timely insights into environmental and socio-economic indicators. that EO can support 108 SDG indicators, helping to bridge data gaps and enhance monitoring efforts, particularly in regions facing data scarcity. Bringing together knowledge within the Centre for Environment and Sustainability and Surrey Space Centre (which pioneered the low-cost small satellite industry), Space 4 Sustainability is aimed at optimising the use of EO to provide much-needed data for a range of applications.

Find out about the Centre for Environment and Sustainability's research with the National Physical Laboratory on .

Read about the to translate EO data into SDG indicators.

Dr Ana Andries presents the Space4Nature project at COP16 – United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, highlighting how Earth observation supports biodiversity.

Projects

Our recent and active projects demonstrate the critical role Earth observation can play in helping to achieve environment and sustainability goals by addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goal indicators.

Leveraging very high-resolution satellite data and machine learning for schistosomiasis risk mapping

Funded by the EPSRC, this PhD project investigates how very high-resolution satellite imagery and machine learning can improve disease risk mapping for schistosomiasis.

Maize mapping and sustainable water use in Afghanistan

This collaboration with Surrey spin-out company Alcis is aimed at improving understanding of agricultural practices in rural Afghanistan.

Using Earth observation to assess urban, peri-urban and wetland sites

The project applies very high-resolution satellite imagery and advanced AI techniques to assess habitats in urban, peri-urban, and wetland sites across Surrey.

An essential tool for sustainable planning of water resource and land use

A deep analysis of Lake Poopó in Bolivia, which has shrunk over two decades, will provide essential information for planning water resources and land uses.

The NEREUS Project: space-based maritime surveillance for fisheries monitoring

This project develops a nearly real-time, automated surveillance system using satellite remote sensing to detect illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Collaborations

Space4Sustainability brings together researchers from the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, Surrey Space Centre, and international partners to harness Earth observation for tackling global sustainability challenges. Working with governments, industry, NGOs, and research organisations, the initiative translates satellite data into actionable insights for the UN Sustainable Development Goals.