Co-created Futures Conference - Nature session

Introduction to Earth Observation and Conservation

Overview of the Panel Discussion

• The session is chaired by Dr. Tim Foster, director of the Master Environmental Research Institute.

• The format includes three presentations followed by a panel discussion.

Social Impacts of Earth Observation in Conservation

Presentation by Dr. Sarah Squiff

• Dr. Sarah Squiff discusses the rapid expansion of geospatial information used in conservation and sustainability research over the last decade.

• Various technologies under earth observation include sensors like cameras, radar, drones, and satellites that aid in habitat mapping and ecological modeling.

Ethical Considerations

• Questions arise about who shapes and benefits from earth observation data; access to this technology can influence lives within conservation landscapes.

• The perception of remote sensing data as neutral is challenged; decisions based on such data are influenced by human interests and beliefs.

Power Imbalances and Surveillance Issues

• Ethical issues include privacy rights for people living in conservation areas; surveillance data can reinforce power imbalances.

• Earth observation technologies often have military origins, raising concerns about their dual-use in environmental applications versus militarized interventions.

Challenges with Remote Sensing Data

Limitations of Data Collection

• While remote sensing allows for real-time environmental monitoring, it risks detachment from local contexts and communities affected by these decisions.

• Indigenous data sovereignty advocates for local control over data rather than external entities holding it.

Resource Concerns Amid Climate Crisis

• The energy required to produce and store vast amounts of data poses practical ethical questions during a climate crisis impacting marginalized communities disproportionately.

Positive Applications of Earth Observation Data

Empowering Local Communities

• Despite challenges, earth observation can empower indigenous peoples to demonstrate effective land management practices against conventional methods.

• Community groups in Guatemala utilize earth observation data to validate their land stewardship effectiveness compared to Western conservation practices.

Conclusion on Usage Perspectives

• It’s crucial to weigh both pros and cons when using urban population data while prioritizing perspectives from those living within impacted landscapes.

Earth Observation Data Scapes in Conservation

Research Questions on Earth Observation Data

• The project investigates the structures of earth observation data scapes linked to various conservation landscapes globally, focusing on who produces, analyzes, and utilizes this data, and why different landscape structures arise in distinct locations.

• It explores the lived consequences of current datascape structures in conservation areas and how these are perceived as just or unjust by different stakeholders.

• The research aims to understand how residents and conservation actors envision more equitable future earth observation data scapes and whether these visions reflect diverse conceptions of justice.

• Finally, it examines interventions that can improve the generation, analysis, governance, and use of earth observation data to mitigate injustice risks and promote socially just conservation practices.

Concept of Datascape

• The term "datascape" refers to networks involving people, organizations, datasets, and decisions that shape a specific location's context. This concept is central to understanding the project's framework.

Project Overview

• Led by Principal Investigators Rose and Tim with a diverse team from various case study sites including Guatemala's Maya Biosphere Reserve, Peak District National Park (UK), Alba National Park (Spain), and Mount Kenya region (Kenya). These local connections enhance co-production efforts within the project.

Case Study Insights

Maya Biosphere Reserve (Guatemala)

• Earth observation is utilized by community-based organizations advocating for land and resource rights; conflicting groups leverage this data to support their differing views on land management practices.

Alba National Park (Spain)

• In this area, earth observation aids in water quality monitoring for Albara lagoon and regulates agricultural activities related to Huga River basin while also being crucial for disaster response post-flooding events.

Peak District National Park (UK)

• Here, earth observation supports land cover mapping, habitat monitoring for fire management projects particularly concerning peatlands, alongside new advocacy representations through social media platforms.

Mount Kenya Region (Kenya)

• Satellite imagery monitors endangered wildlife habitats and migration corridors while drone footage is employed by environmental groups for awareness campaigns like Just Dig It seen across UK billboards.

Co-production Principles in Project Design

• The project emphasizes knowledge co-production with local communities as a core principle; local academics lead landscape teams fostering long-term collaborative relationships essential for relevant outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner organizations including government agencies provide advisory roles throughout all project phases; stakeholder workshops facilitate relationship building among local stakeholders while collecting valuable data insights.

Adaptive Project Structure

• Although there’s an initial five-year plan guiding the project’s trajectory, later stages will adapt based on feedback from earlier phases ensuring outputs align with community needs.

Student Research Opportunities

• Funding supports partner-led student research projects allowing local universities' students to engage directly with community-related research questions enhancing place-based studies within each landscape context.

Phased Approach to Understanding Datascapes

1. Reveal: Identify existing local earth observation datascope dynamics—who uses them and their implications regarding justice.

2. Reimagine: Collaborate with impacted users to conceptualize alternative datascope models promoting best practices while reducing potential injustices.

3. Implement: Focus on practical applications derived from reimagined concepts aimed at improving equity in conservation efforts through enhanced remote sensing technology usage.

Project Phase One: Revealing Data Scapes

Overview of Project Goals

• The project aims to develop practical actions and responses that expand on good practices while addressing identified injustices from earlier phases.

• Currently, the team is in phase one, focusing on gathering data through secondary sources to understand usage across different sites.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engaging stakeholders through meetings and workshops is crucial for identifying challenges and solutions related to earth observation in various landscapes. This will help prioritize research questions for the next phase.

• The early literature review and stakeholder engagement phase has been largely completed in Kenya, culminating in a workshop held in April. Key findings from this workshop will shape future research directions.

Challenges Identified

• Major challenges include issues with data access, particularly regarding high-resolution privately collected data, as well as the skills required to utilize such data effectively.

• Concerns about data sovereignty and obtaining informed consent from indigenous communities are significant; ethical practices must be prioritized over mere data analysis without community involvement.

• Integration of traditional ecological knowledge with digital observation data remains a challenge due to transparency issues, standardization problems, and biases towards certain types of quantitative data (e.g., prioritizing elephants).

Proposed Solutions

• Participants expressed interest in creating central data hubs for better collaboration and sharing among landscape actors while increasing open access to necessary datasets currently behind paywalls.

• Training opportunities aimed at capacity building for both conservation staff and local communities were highlighted as essential for improving tech literacy and fostering better communication around technology use.

Workshop Outcomes

• The workshop served not only as a documentation opportunity but also helped refocus priorities toward equitable data access rather than solely ethical considerations regarding indigenous ownership of data. This shift may reflect the predominance of conservation actors present at the workshop rather than community members themselves.

• Suggestions for outputs included developing a sharable index of earth observation datasets used by various actors to reduce duplication efforts in purchasing or processing similar datasets across landscapes. Additionally, enhancing connectivity between different landscapes was discussed as vital for effective learning opportunities moving forward.

Co-Development Challenges in Research

Balancing Local Needs with Academic Consistency

• The project involves co-development across four countries, presenting challenges due to diverse actors and ideas.

• While co-production aims for localized findings, it complicates the need for consistent academic outputs across sites, requiring a uniform methodology.

• Definitions of key concepts like justice and conservation vary significantly among participants from different countries.

Engagement Limitations with Partners

• Many partners express interest in the research but face time and resource constraints that limit their engagement levels.

• The speaker looks forward to hearing how others address similar challenges in engaging stakeholders effectively.

Microplastics and Sewage Issues

Overview of Microplastics Research

• The speaker discusses ongoing research on riverbed microplastics, particularly around Greater Manchester, linking it to broader environmental concerns.

• Emerging studies indicate potential health risks associated with microplastics, including increased heart disease and stroke risks.

Recent Developments in Sewage Management

• In May 2023, private water companies in England apologized for extensive sewage spills into rivers and lakes, prompting a transformation program aimed at remediation.

Regional Pollution Crisis

• Analysis reveals that northern England faces the highest rates of wastewater discharge; specific data shows alarming spill rates in the River Well catchment area.

Government Response and Public Awareness

• A government plan aims to reduce sewage spills by 50% by 2030; public awareness has surged due to media coverage surrounding sewage scandals leading up to elections.

Activism Driving Change

• Activists have played a crucial role in highlighting sewage issues rather than regulatory bodies; various groups have been instrumental in raising awareness about pollution.

Microplastics in the River Tame: Sampling and Findings

Sampling Methodology

• The sampling process involves using a metal cylinder to isolate portions of the riverbed, disturbing gravels and sands to collect muddy water.

• Large volumes of this muddy water are taken back to the laboratory where fine sediments and microplastics are identified and counted.

Microplastic Presence

• In 2015, microplastics were found at every sampled site around Greater Manchester, except for one location in Darbisha.

• Different types of microplastics were identified: fragments (pink), industrial microbeads (green), and fibers (orange), with some sites classified as "microplastic hotspots" containing over 15,000 particles per kilogram.

Ecological Impact

• Microplastics on the riverbed pose a significant risk as they can be ingested by aquatic organisms, entering the food chain.

• Most surveys focus on water columns; however, concentrations of microplastics on riverbeds are often much higher than in the water itself.

Impact of Flooding on Microplastic Distribution

Resampling After Flood Events

• Following extensive flooding in winter 2015/16, resampling showed that many sites had significantly reduced levels of microplastics due to washout during flood events.

• The reduction was noted as an order of magnitude decrease at most sites, indicating rivers can self-clean but also transport microplastics downstream.

Transience of Hotspots

• Microplastic hotspots can form quickly after floods; for instance, a hotspot observed in early 2016 shifted from being composed mostly of fragments to predominantly microbeads shortly thereafter.

Research Contributions and Future Questions

Significant Research Findings

• A paper published in Nature Geoscience in 2018 highlighted these findings and spurred further research into rivers' roles concerning microplastic contamination.

Sources of Microplastic Contamination

• Key questions arose regarding how rivers become heavily contaminated despite floods washing away plastics.

• Various sources contribute to this contamination including road runoff (brake dust), domestic wastewater (from laundry), industrial effluents, and recycling plants.

Current State of Rivers and Wastewater Treatment

Challenges Facing River Health

• Only about 14% or 15% of rivers in England meet good ecological status due to untreated wastewater containing not just sewage but also harmful substances like heavy metals and antibiotics.

Wastewater Management Issues

• Many wastewater treatment processes fail to adequately remove all contaminants before discharging into rivers, leading to ongoing pollution challenges.

Discharge of Untreated Wastewater and Microplastics

Contamination of River Beds

• The discussion begins with the discharge of untreated wastewater during exceptional conditions, such as heavy rainfall and floods, which contributes to microplastic contamination in river beds.

• Data from 2023 indicates that significant volumes of untreated wastewater are being discharged into rivers, lakes, and coastal areas by water companies like United Utilities.

Microplastics and Wastewater Treatment

• Conventional wastewater treatment can remove 95% to 99% of microplastic particles; however, the presence of high concentrations on river beds suggests inadequate treatment processes.

• Primary microplastics (e.g., microbeads) are linked directly to the wastewater system since they do not break down from larger plastic items.

Misinformation and Regulatory Challenges

• A quote from United Utilities states their systems aren't designed to treat plastics or microplastics, raising concerns about misinformation regarding their capabilities.

• Contradictory statements were made by United Utilities between 2021 and 2023 regarding their ability to remove microplastics effectively.

Research Findings on River Tame

• Detailed studies conducted on the River Tame revealed increasing hotspots for microplastic contamination downstream from wastewater treatment works.

• High concentrations of microplastic fibers were found in treated wastewater at specific locations, indicating that some particles escape the treatment process.

Impact on Legislation and Public Awareness

• A provocative study published in Nature Sustainability highlighted how untreated wastewater containing microplastics is routinely discharged into low-flow UK rivers.

• Investigations revealed illegal sewage spills occurring even during dry weather conditions, linking these events with increased levels of microplastics in waterways.

Conclusion: Need for Effective Wastewater Treatment

• The ultimate solution lies in reducing plastic waste production; however, immediate focus must be placed on improving wastewater treatment processes to mitigate current pollution issues.

• The Earl of Kate Ness acknowledged research contributions during parliamentary discussions about environmental legislation related to water quality.

The Impact of Waste Water Management on Microplastic Pollution

Connection Between Waste Water Management and Microplastics

• There is a direct link between poor waste water management and high levels of microplastic pollution in the UK, with untreated waste being discharged into rivers and seas during overflow events.

• Despite government efforts to reduce microplastics, these overflows negate progress, worsening an already critical situation.

Challenges in Greater Manchester

• Greater Manchester faces significant challenges due to a high concentration of combined sewer overflows and wastewater treatment plants, compounded by its distance from the sea. The region's small rivers struggle to handle pollutants effectively.

• With a population of 2.5 million and substantial industrial activity, the ecological restoration efforts must focus on reducing untreated wastewater discharges into modest-sized rivers like the Tame, Irk, and Roch.

Current State of Wastewater Discharge

• In 2024, one example showed that untreated wastewater was discharged for 1,351 hours into the River Well—this is not an exceptional case but rather routine practice that needs addressing.

• United Utilities is initiating a transformation program aimed at upgrading poorly performing wastewater treatment plants; however, even with a target reduction of spills by 50%, significant volumes of untreated wastewater will still enter local rivers for decades to come.

Recommendations for Monitoring Microplastics

• Philip Dunn's committee recommended extending monitoring substances in rivers to better understand risks related to human health and aquatic life concerning microplastic contamination. A national survey including river bed sampling was emphasized as crucial for comprehensive risk assessment.

• Richard Standawick has been tasked with developing a national monitoring strategy for microplastic contamination which will include river bed sampling—a key aspect often overlooked in understanding ecological hazards.

Importance of Mapping and Collaboration

• Mapping can help estimate ecological risks from microplastics while providing insights into their sources; this geographical perspective is essential for tackling pollution issues effectively.

• Acknowledgment is given to colleagues in geography and laboratory teams who have contributed significantly to research efforts regarding microplastic pollution in waterways across Greater Manchester. Their collaboration highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in environmental studies.

Rethinking Heritage: A Multispecies Perspective

The Concept of Heritage

• Stuart Hall critiques the traditional view of British heritage as an elitist, white English middle-class concern, proposing that heritage is a discursive practice shaped by cultural and political interests.

• Hall's critique has evolved into critical heritage studies, focusing on power dynamics and ideologies within the management of heritage.

Expanding the Definition of Heritage

• Heritage should be viewed as a social discourse and practice (a verb), rather than a fixed entity (a noun).

• Incorporating multispecies scholarship allows for a broader understanding of heritage that includes animals as integral participants in civic systems.

Biodiversity and Its Limitations

• Traditional views of biodiversity focus on metrics like species richness and genetic diversity but often overlook ethical dimensions.

• The concept of "Zuopoulos," developed by Jennifer Walsh, Sue Donaldson, and Will Kimicker, advocates for animal citizenship, framing animals as co-citizens with rights rather than mere resources.

Rethinking Civic Spaces

• Zuopoulos encourages us to recognize non-human lives in civic spaces, promoting attentiveness to their needs beyond human use.

• Community-focused research emphasizes co-production and participatory design; extending this ethos to include non-human lives can lead to genuine collaboration.

Principles for Design Informed by Zuopoulos

• Current civic policies are largely anthropocentric; they prioritize human narratives while marginalizing animals.

• The shift from biodiversity to Zuopoulos reframes how we understand species' roles in shared environments, emphasizing their political significance.

Three Principles for Zuopouloolis-Informed Design:

1. Recognition: Acknowledge animals as co-inhabitants whose lives matter.

2. Representation: Create mechanisms for considering animal interests in spatial planning through advocacy and policy.

3. Responsibility: Design spaces that support safe movement and well-being for animals while minimizing harm.

By integrating these principles into design practices, we can foster environments where both humans and animals thrive together.

Understanding Zuopoulos Principles in Urban Ecology

The Role of Canada Geese in Urban Communities

• The presence of Canada geese in post-industrial neighborhoods challenges dominant urban narratives and exposes cultural biases associated with terms like "non-native" and "invasive."

• These labels carry significant cultural and political implications, echoing discourses on migration and belonging, as seen with the vilification of the kalag goose.

• Residents' interactions with Canada geese reveal complex emotions—annoyance, affection, indifference—that defy simplistic categorizations.

• Implementing zuopouloolis principles can transform how we view these geese, considering them as community citizens whose needs should be integrated into urban planning.

• Understanding the geese's habitat requirements is essential for fostering coexistence while addressing human ambivalence towards wildlife.

Collaboration Between Domestic and Wild Animals

• The speaker introduces Mabel, a German shepherd, emphasizing the importance of recognizing both domesticated and wild animals within public spaces.

• Mabel's daily activities provide insights into how domestic animals influence cultural practices and values in urban environments.

• There is a pressing need to address issues surrounding dog behavior training and welfare to ensure better care for both domestic pets and wild animals.

• Design interventions such as pollinator corridors and hedgehog highways are crucial for creating inclusive urban spaces that support diverse species.

• Building relationships with local wildlife requires patience; practical examples include adapting garden designs to accommodate badgers without hindering their movement.

Rethinking Urban Spaces for Multispecies Coexistence

• Acknowledging that deer have lived in certain areas longer than humans prompts a shift in perspective regarding shared spaces.

• Viewing animals as partners rather than adversaries can lead to more inclusive environmental designs that benefit all species involved.

• The concept of zoolopolis serves as a practical framework for action, advocating for policies that prioritize coexistence over control of nature.

Ecological, Social, and Political Implications

• Adopting zuopoulos principles fosters ecological resilience by supporting diverse species interactions while cultivating empathy among communities across species lines.

• This approach redefines sustainability by integrating animal rights into civic life, aligning with global movements focused on environmental justice.

• Envisioning cities where green spaces serve as multispecies commons requires commitment to rethinking frameworks around heritage narratives that celebrate interspecies histories.

Call to Action: Practical Steps Towards Change

• Embedding zuopoulos principles into community-focused research could significantly impact practitioners; starting small can lead to meaningful change.

• Suggestions include installing bird boxes, creating wild gardens, mapping animal movements, designing hedgehog highways, and advocating for multispecies planning charters.

Integrating Animal Citizenship into Urban Planning

Shifting Values in Urban Planning

• The discussion emphasizes a shift from domination to coexistence with animals, advocating for collaboration across species in urban planning.

Options for Integration

• Three options are proposed for integrating animal citizenship:

• Option A: Maintain the status quo focused on metrics and ad hoc adaptations.

• Option B: Enhance biodiversity standards through net gain and habitat protections.

• Option C: Fully integrate principles of recognition, representation, and responsibility across local authority departments.

Recommendations for Implementation

• Key recommendations include:

• Embedding zuopouloolis principles in local plans and design codes.

• Mandating multi-species impact assessments for major projects like transport and housing.

• Funding community-led pilot projects to test new ideas.

Measuring Success

• Important metrics to track include connectivity, species usage, incident reduction, and public sentiment towards animal welfare.

Community-Centric Approaches

• Emphasizes that community-focused research highlights the importance of relationships and shared responsibilities in designing inclusive futures where both humans and nonhumans thrive.

Challenges in Policy Change

Activism and Research Intersections

• The speaker reflects on their journey from traditional research to activism, engaging with diverse groups including policymakers to influence environmental policies effectively.

Positive Outcomes from Activism

• Engaging with activist groups has proven uplifting; successful campaigns often attract investment which can lead to positive environmental changes.

Scalability of Local Solutions

Local vs Global Challenges

• Not all issues can be addressed at a global scale; many require localized solutions tailored to specific community needs.

Importance of Inclusive Dialogue

• Effective co-created futures necessitate smaller group discussions where all voices are heard rather than attempting one-size-fits-all solutions.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Arts and Design Perspectives

• The speaker advocates for incorporating arts and design methodologies into community practices as a means of addressing complex challenges collaboratively.

Cultural Perspectives on Sustainability and Urbanization

The Intersection of Arts and Science in Sustainability

• There is exciting work emerging from the arts that can contribute to sustainability discussions, suggesting a need for interdisciplinary collaboration.

• The speaker emphasizes that sustainability issues are fundamentally cultural rather than purely scientific, advocating for more cultural analysts to be involved in these conversations.

Challenges in Wastewater Treatment and Microplastics

• A question arises about integrating wetland habitats into wastewater treatment systems as a cost-effective method to filter microplastics before they enter river beds.

• The response indicates that while wetlands can trap microplastics, they still pose environmental risks by redistributing them through sewage slush used on agricultural land.

• Conventional wastewater treatment technologies are capable of removing most microplastics without additional filtration; however, the ultimate solution lies in reducing plastic waste production.

Ethical Considerations in Urbanization and Animal Coexistence

• A question addresses how urbanization affects economically disadvantaged communities and their interactions with local wildlife, such as leopards encroaching on villages.

• The speaker highlights that free-roaming dogs are prevalent in the Global South, indicating a rich discourse around human-animal coexistence emerging from this context.

• It is noted that urban poverty stems from systemic issues like extractive capitalism rather than animal presence, urging a broader understanding of societal dynamics affecting both humans and animals.

Discussion on Human-Wildlife Interaction and Conservation

Concerns About Animal Treatment

• The speaker expresses nervousness regarding the treatment of wild animals, particularly in relation to geese interactions with residents in East Manchester.

• The case study highlights how post-industrial redevelopment has influenced community relations with wildlife along the canal.

Fortress Conservation in Kenya

• Discussion shifts to conservation efforts in Mount Kenya, where fenced private conservancies are established to protect rhinos and elephants.

• Critique of these practices reveals that forcing animals into designated migration corridors can lead to human-wildlife conflict, as animals resist imposed routes.

Redefining Conservation Approaches

• Emphasis on the need for a paradigm shift: instead of dictating animal movements, conservation should consider natural behaviors and preferences of wildlife.

• Advocates for redesigning conservation strategies that allow animals autonomy over their migration paths rather than imposing human-centric solutions.

Questioning Animal Agency and Consent

• A question is posed about how to realistically represent animal agency in decision-making processes without misinterpreting their behavior.

Exploring Consent in Animal Interactions

• Reference made to a book discussing consent within K9 companions, emphasizing the importance of understanding animal behavior from an ethological perspective.

• The speaker notes challenges related to language barriers when discussing consent and suggests looking at collaborative community practices for insights.

Community Practices and Ethical Considerations

• Mention of Brophie's work expanding on collective consent among K9 companions, highlighting the notion that domesticated dogs are captive animals.

• Acknowledgment that while exploring consent is complex due to limitations, it remains essential for ethical discussions surrounding animal rights.

Pollution Awareness and Environmental Data Gaps

• Inquiry about mapping endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), suggesting they should receive equal attention as microplastics at governmental levels.

• Recognition that there is insufficient data on river pollution concerning various chemicals beyond microplastics.

Water Quality Monitoring and Biodiversity Challenges

Importance of Data in Water Quality Monitoring

• The speaker emphasizes the lack of national data on river water contaminants, highlighting the necessity for quality metrics and data collection.

• A reference is made to budget cuts by Liz Truss in 2014-15 that severely impacted the Environment Agency's ability to monitor water quality effectively.

• The loss of monitoring capacity has hindered understanding both water company activities and river health.

Microplastics Research Insights

• Discussion on microplastics reveals concerns about their toxicity, particularly as size decreases; smaller microplastics pose greater risks.

• Current research can measure microplastics down to 60 microns, with most samples falling between 500 and 60 microns.

• Nanoplastics (smaller than one micron) present technical challenges but are crucial due to their mobility within biological systems.

Representation in Biodiversity Monitoring

• The conversation shifts towards representing diverse values in biodiversity monitoring, stressing the need for ethical considerations regarding animal existence beyond human utility.

• There is a call for recognizing nature's intrinsic value rather than solely its benefits to human health, advocating for stronger representation of nature itself.

Integrating Different Types of Data

• Emphasis on integrating various forms of evidence into decision-making processes; quantitative data often overshadows qualitative insights which can lose nuance when reduced to numbers.

• The speaker advocates for mixed methods research approaches that balance quantitative analysis with qualitative narratives, enhancing understanding without sacrificing depth.

Insights on Qualitative Analysis and Environmental Metrics

The Importance of Mixed Methods Research

• Emphasizes the need for qualitative analysis in research, arguing that mixed methods research is essential for capturing nuanced data.

• Discusses challenges faced in fisheries management, where quantitative data is prioritized over qualitative insights due to time and budget constraints.

• Advocates for collaboration with policymakers to reframe the value of different types of data, stressing the importance of training students in diverse data analysis techniques.

Concerns About Sewage Metrics

• Highlights the significance of how sewage metrics are measured, particularly regarding water companies' targets to reduce sewage spills by 50% by the decade's end.

• Points out that current metrics focus on spill duration and frequency rather than volume, which can misrepresent actual improvements in sewage management.

• Warns that while reducing spill occurrences may seem beneficial, it could lead to increased discharge volumes if not properly monitored.

Remote Sensing and Environmental Assessment

• Introduces a question about remote sensing's role in advancing cumulative impact risk assessments and environmental evaluations.

• Acknowledges remote sensing's ability to gather extensive spatial data but cautions against its limitations in capturing ground-level nuances.

• Raises concerns about potential manipulation of metrics derived from remote sensing data, which could disadvantage local communities during environmental assessments.