The SDGs-EYES initiative is a groundbreaking European project aimed at enhancing the monitoring capabilities of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through advanced Earth Observation (EO) technologies. The initiative harnesses a combination of satellite data, in-situ networks, data analytics, and numerical modelling to address existing gaps in the monitoring frameworks currently in use for tracking SDG progress. At its foundation, the SDGs-EYES initiative seeks to establish a Copernicus-based service, designed to optimise the accessibility and usability of the extensive EO data provided by the European Copernicus Programme. This service is intended to facilitate the construction, access, and visualization of indicators that are specifically tailored for effective monitoring of SDG targets. The SDGs-EYES Service is pivotal in generating a variety of datasets that accurately reflect SDG indicators. The service adheres to rigorous scientific methodologies and verification processes, essential for monitoring key areas such as climate (SDG13), ocean health (SDG14), and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG15). These sectors often face significant observational and informational challenges, making the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring process all the more critical. The initiative not only integrates existing datasets but also focuses on refining and innovating evaluation methods, providing valuable insights into progress made towards achieving the SDGs through a newly developed grading or tiering system. In addition, the SDGs-EYES Service aims to augment the understanding and application of indicator data among a range of stakeholders, including environmental protection agencies and others.
