On February 26th, 2026, the OBSGESSION project hosted an internal seminar to review advancements in Earth Observation (EO) data integration, algorithm benchmarking, and platform development - key components of Work Package 2 (WP2). The event brought together project partners to discuss achievements, challenges, and next steps in generating Essential Biodiversity Variable (EBV)-enabling products and fostering collaboration across the project.

Seminar Overview

The seminar was structured to provide a comprehensive update on WP2’s progress, focusing on input data, benchmarked methods, and the data platform ecosystem.

Morning Session: Input Data and Benchmarking Progress

The event began with an introduction to the objectives of WP2, emphasising the development of methods and a platform to generate EO-derived ecosystem variables. Participants were then briefed on the input data used and produced within OBSGESSION, including

• Deliverables D2.1 and D2.2, which document EO and in-situ datasets, respectively.

• The data catalogue, a living document with 61 datasets already integrated, is designed to ensure transparency and facilitate EU reporting. Partners were encouraged to contribute updates and new datasets.

The session continued with a discussion on benchmarking methods for generating EBVs. Highlights included:

• A review of the staged benchmarking process, based on templates and Algorithm Theoretical Basis Documents (ATBDs).

• Presentations from contributors on highly scored algorithms and products, showcasing their relevance to OBSGESSION’s pilots and the broader biodiversity community.

Afternoon Session: Data Platform and Open Discussion

The focus then shifted to the data platform ecosystem, designed to enhance external data dissemination and algorithm publication. The platform integrates existing tools like the GEOBON EBV Data Portal and openEO, ensuring accessibility for a wider audience. A standardized workflow for publishing data and algorithms was introduced, with plans for WP2 to lead by example.

The seminar concluded with an open discussion on:

• Experiences using Copernicus data services, particularly the potential of hyperspectral data for future biodiversity products.

• Publication plans for benchmarking reports and the data catalogue, with options like RIO by Pensoft or Zenodo under consideration.

• Ongoing challenges, such as cloud masking and shadow detection, which impact the quality of remote sensing products.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The seminar underscored the importance of collaboration, transparency, and innovation in advancing biodiversity research. Partners were encouraged to:

• Provide feedback on the relevance of benchmarked products for their activities.

• Contribute to the data catalogue and explore the data platform ecosystem.

• Share insights on Copernicus data and hyperspectral applications.

As OBSGESSION moves forward, the project remains committed to refining methods, expanding its data platform, and addressing challenges to support effective ecosystem monitoring and conservation.

For more details on the seminar’s discussions and outcomes, you can watch the recording in the OBSGESSION YouTube page.