Download:
- The concept note # 4 pp.
This technical High-Level event under the theme “Towards a big data revolution for the Planet: from Uncertainty to Opportunity” focused on four main objectives, each addressing a key component of Big Data’s role in environmental sustainability. In a rapidly shifting geopolitical context, the need for high-quality environmental data is greater than ever: (1) Governance of the Global Environmental Data Strategy; (2) Environmental Big Data in the Global Digital Compact Framework and Structural Transformation; (3) Data for Green Investment, Accountability, and Transparency; (4) New Frontiers, New Gaps, New Opportunities.
The UNEP secretariat is expected to share a second draft of the GEDS in August 2025. The second draft is expected to have a more operational focus, including a distinction between international and national levels.
*02/05/25 UNEP: DEVELOPING COUNTRIES STRESS MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION FOR GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL DATA STRATEGY
Extract of the programme
08/07 EARTH OBSERVATIONS IN ACTION
- Centralized Procurement of Earth Observation Data and Derived Analytics Marie-Christine Delucq, Geospatial Solutions Manager, Airbus
Centralizing the procurement of Earth Observation (EO) data and derived analytics enables Airbus to streamline access to high-resolution, multi-sensor satellite imagery and advanced AI-powered insights—driving cost efficiency and operational agility across its geospatial services. This unified approach not only supports scalable digital products—from precision agriculture to disaster response—but also accelerates innovation in downstream analytics, leveraging a robust, centrally managed Earth Observation (EO) ecosystem for faster, smarter decision-making
09/07 TECH & INNOVATION
- The Transformative Potential of Environmental Genomics by Nicolas Tsesmetzis, Principal Science Expert, Nature Based Solutions, Shell
The transformative potential of environmental genomics lies in its ability to radically enhance the understanding and monitoring of ecosystem health and function, enabling more precise, data-driven implementation of nature-based solutions. By decoding the genetic material found in soil, water, and other environmental samples, Shell uses this advanced tool to track biodiversity, microbial activity, and ecological responses to interventions at unprecedented resolution. This approach supports the design, validation, and scaling of high-integrity carbon sequestration projects, such as reforestation and soil regeneration, by providing robust, science-backed evidence of environmental impact—thereby improving both the credibility and effectiveness of carbon credits and natural climate solutions.
Nicolas Tsesmetzis spoke about the transformative potential of environmental genomics and the pioneering work of IOGP-JIP34, a joint initiative to develop guidance and best practices for the use of eDNA in the energy sector. As a present-day solution to the biodiversity data crisis, standardized eDNA methods are enabling the generation of high-integrity, scalable biodiversity data—a critical enabler for nature-positive outcomes, enhanced transparency, and alignment with the UN Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS). This approach also opens new pathways for green finance and more effective environmental reporting.
He praised the broader expert community advancing standardization of molecular methods through platforms like ISO TC147/SC5/WG13 and iESTF. As highlighted by Kristian Meissner, the outdated notion that molecular methods lack technical readiness is no longer valid. The evidence is clear: standardized eDNA monitoring is ready to support biodiversity and bioassessment needs, and can meaningfully augment existing indicators to meet the demands of the Global Biodiversity Framework.
10/07 PATHWAYS TO SYSTEMIC CHANGE TOWARDS DATA COHESION & INTEROPERABILITY
- Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSDR) and Tracking Supply Chain by Sotirios Kanellopoulos, Data and ICT for sustainability policy officer, European Commission, Directorate General Environment.
The CSDR is a major EU regulation (entered into force in January 2023) that requires large companies and listed SMEs to report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts, including their value chains and supply chains. It expands the scope of the earlier Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD).
10/07 Scaling Environmental Data in Developing Countries: What Data Governance and Funding Models? Will Power the Digital Transition?
- Moderator: Sherif Dawood, Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Charles Mwangi, Director, Kenya Space Agency
- Laurent Durieux, Coordinator One Forest Vision, Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD)
- Yblin Roman, Policy Lead, Sirge Coalition
- Débora Ingrisano (see 2 slides), Cooperative Development Manager, Brazilian Cooperative Organization System (OCB System)
GFAiR proposition on future Pathways
The emerging frameworks around big data, environmental governance, and digital transformation—such as the Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS) and the Global Digital Compact—offer highly strategic tools for the UN Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) coalitions, particularly in supporting accountability, investment tracking, and structural transformation.1. Enabling High-Integrity Food Systems Data for Action and Accountability
Coalitions working on Local Food and Nutrition Supply Chains, agroecology, sustainable consumption, school meals, or food loss and waste need reliable, interoperable, and inclusive data. The GEDS governance framework promotes:
- Data sovereignty and ethics aligned with Indigenous and farmer knowledge systems.
- Federated and open-access models, allowing local ownership while enabling global reporting.
- Standards and protocols for environmental and socio-economic indicators that can be adapted for tracking food systems transformation.
- For example, coalitions can integrate food biodiversity, nutrition, and agroecological metrics into shared platforms that support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption and Production), and climate commitments.
The Global Digital Compact underlines equitable digital infrastructure, ethical AI, and data rights. These principles can help UNFSS coalitions:
The GEDS roadmap and Frascati Pathways highlight how high-integrity environmental data underpins climate finance and sustainability-linked investments. UNFSS coalitions can use this to:
- Bridge digital divides in food systems innovation—especially for smallholders, women, and youth.
- Develop digital public goods (e.g. open-source farm-level monitoring tools) aligned with CARE/FAIR principles.
- Protect food systems data from corporate capture while enabling trusted, real-time analytics to support both grassroots initiatives and policy interventions.
The GEDS roadmap and Frascati Pathways highlight how high-integrity environmental data underpins climate finance and sustainability-linked investments. UNFSS coalitions can use this to:
- Embed agroecological and nutrition-sensitive food system indicators into green bond frameworks and blended finance tools.
- Strengthen credibility and comparability of impact data, critical for scaling nature-based solutions, regenerative agriculture, or carbon-positive food systems.
- Demonstrate co-benefits (biodiversity, equity, carbon sequestration) for integrated SDG and climate outcomes.
Upcoming
18 July 2025. 11:00 am CEST. From
Data to Decisions: Modelling a Sustainable Future for Food Systems
- Explore how cutting-edge
modelling tools are driving evidence-based solutions for food system
sustainability.
- This webinar will
examine the dynamic intersections of ecological priorities, economic
realities, and policy-making, highlighting how integrated data approaches
can support biodiversity, resilience, and long-term food security across
diverse contexts.
28 July 2025. UNFSS+4
session: Investment Dialogue #3: Data and AI for Food Systems Transformation
Leads: UN Global Compact (UNGC) & World Economic Forum
(WEF)
16:30 - 18:00 | Africa Hall
See page 5 in the program in attachment (unfortunately not
detailed with the speakers)
Related
26 September 2024. Policy Workshop on International Carbon Certification Schemes- This workshop ( see the Agenda) gave an insight into what is happening in the United States and Australia, as well as an overview of the context in the Pacific region and Europe.
- Organised by the ORCaSa project in the framework of the Soil Carbon International Research Consortium (IRC), this event was an opportunity for experts and policymakers to meet, exchange ideas, and make progress in the field of soil carbon policy.
20 February 2025. Strengthening Collaboration on Soil Carbon: Roles and Opportunities for the Africa Chapter of the International Research Consortium (IRC-SC)
- Launched in September 2022, ORCaSa is a Horizon Europe initiative that aims to bring together international stakeholders working on techniques for capturing and storing carbon in the soil.
- Start date: 1 September 2022
- End date: 31 August 2025
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