Satellite Monitoring Highlights Soil Sealing Challenges in the Mediterranean

Satellite Monitoring Highlights Soil Sealing Challenges in the Mediterranean
by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Apr 25, 2024

Soil sealing is an increasing concern, particularly in urban settings, leading to significant environmental impacts such as flooding, erosion, and biodiversity loss.

An ESA-funded initiative, the Ulysses project, is now providing critical insights into soil sealing, aiming to mitigate soil degradation across the Mediterranean. The project employs the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite system to create detailed soil sealing maps along the Mediterranean coastline, thus aiding in the effective monitoring of land degradation.

Soil sealing, often resulting from the expansion of impermeable surfaces like concrete and asphalt, impedes water infiltration into the soil, with severe repercussions for the environment. These include heightened flood risks and the intensification of urban heat islands due to reduced evaporation.

The importance of monitoring soil sealing is particularly pronounced in Mediterranean coastal regions where prolonged droughts and frequent fires heighten desertification risks.

The project, conducted by Planetek Italia alongside Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS) and the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA), spans 2018-2022. It provides stakeholders with unprecedented precision in mapping soil sealing, enhancing efforts to combat land degradation.

Daniela Iasillo, the project manager, noted, "With a resolution of 10 m, the maps enable precise identification of critical areas, assisting in the development of focused conservation and restoration strategies."

ISPRA's engagement is crucial, ensuring that the project's findings are effectively communicated and implemented by stakeholders, thereby translating scientific data into actionable strategies for land conservation.

Luca Congedo of ISPRA emphasized the utility of these maps in fostering effective soil protection policies and supporting international environmental monitoring initiatives.

The Ulysses project is aligned with forthcoming soil conservation laws in the EU and France, aimed at reducing land artificialisation and promoting sustainable land use.

Olivier Arino of ESA highlighted the project's role in supporting policy decisions on coastal zone management, essential for enhancing the resilience of the Mediterranean basin against climate change.

Looking ahead, ESA plans to expand this mapping to include all participating Mediterranean member states, encompassing Spain, France, Italy, and Greece, over the next six months.