Keynote Lectures

Available Soon
Peter Scarth, University of Queensland, Australia, Australia

From the Swiss Data Cube to Living Switzerland: Developing a Digital Twin of the Environment
Gregory Giuliani, University of Geneva, Switzerland, Switzerland

From Pixels to Maps: The Advances of Earth Observation for Mapping and Monitoring Blue Carbon Ecosystems
Dimitris Poursanidis, Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Greece, Greece

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Peter Scarth
University of Queensland, Australia

Brief Bio
Available Soon

Abstract
Available Soon

From the Swiss Data Cube to Living Switzerland: Developing a Digital Twin of the Environment

Gregory Giuliani
University of Geneva, Switzerland

Brief Bio
Dr. Gregory Giuliani is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Geneva’s Institute for Environmental Sciences where he leads the Living Earth Lab is a research hub dedicated to advancing Earth Observation (EO) Data Science and Big Earth Data analytics through the Digital Earth framework. He is also the Head of the Digital Earth Unit at GRID-Geneva of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). His research focuses on Land Change Science and how Earth observations can be used to monitor and assess environmental changes and support sustainable development.

Abstract
Switzerland is advancing from the long-established Swiss Data Cube (SDC)—a national data infrastructure providing analysis-ready satellite Earth observation data—towards Living Switzerland, a next-generation digital twin of the environment. This transition represents a paradigm shift from static data access and analysis to dynamic, integrated environmental intelligence. Building on the SDC’s robust foundation of standardized, analysis-ready data and open science principles, Living Switzerland leverages the Living Earth framework to enable real-time integration of multi-source environmental data, modeling, and simulation. The system aims to create a continuously updated, semantically rich, and interoperable representation of Switzerland’s natural environment—encompassing land, water, atmosphere, and biodiversity. Through this transformation, Living Switzerland will support evidence-based decision-making, enhance environmental monitoring and forecasting, and foster collaborative research across domains.

From Pixels to Maps: The Advances of Earth Observation for Mapping and Monitoring Blue Carbon Ecosystems

Dimitris Poursanidis
Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas, Greece

Brief Bio
Dimitris Poursanidis, Ph.D., is a marine scientist and earth observation analyst committed to unraveling the mysteries of our seascapes. With a wealth of expertise in marine ecology and biodiversity, he has dedicated his career to understanding the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the impacts of human activities. Driven by a passion for conservation, Dimitris explores the intricate relationships between marine organisms and their environment, striving to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable practices. One of Dimitris's notable contributions lies in his pioneering work with seagrass ecosystems, utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as satellites and drones. Through remote sensing techniques, he harnesses the power of satellite imagery to monitor the health and distribution of seagrass meadows on a large scale, providing valuable insights into their dynamics and resilience to environmental stressors. He is technical scientist at the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas and founder of terraSolutions m.e.r.

Abstract
Blue Carbon ecosystems, such as seagrass meadows, represent vital natural assets for climate mitigation, yet their distribution and condition remain poorly quantified in many regions. Here we presents recent advances in combining Earth Observation (EO) data with field missions to map and assess Blue Carbon habitats. Using multi-scale satellite imagery and machine learning algorithms, we developed reproducible workflows for habitat discrimination, bathymetry estimation, and seagrass extent mapping across coastal waters. Field observations collected through scientific diving protocols provided high-quality reference data for calibration and validation, ensuring accuracy and spatial robustness. The integration of EO analytics and in situ measurements allowed detailed quantification of seagrass cover and density, enabling refined Blue Carbon stock estimations at multiple spatial scales allowing transparency in the process of reporting in NDCs and under other MEAs. This fusion approach demonstrates the potential of cost-effective, scalable, and repeatable monitoring solutions to support restoration planning, conservation prioritization, and long-term carbon accounting. This work highlights how bridging remote sensing technologies with ecological expertise advances our understanding of Blue Carbon ecosystems and supports the implementation of evidence-based coastal management and climate adaptation strategies.