SDG 6.6.1 - Change in the extent of water-related ecosystems over time
Definition: Indicator 6.6.1 tracks the extent to which different types of water-related ecosystems are changing in
extent over time. The indicator is multifaceted capturing data on different types of freshwater ecosystems and to measure extent change the indicator considers spatial area changes, water quality and water quantity changes. The indicator uses satellite based Earth observations to globally monitor different freshwater ecosystems types Earth observation data series on surface area are available on permanent water, seasonal water, reservoirs, wetlands, mangroves; as well as generating data on water quality the using trophic state and turbidity of water bodies. Satellite images can be represented as
numerical data, which in turn are aggregated into meaningful statistics of ecosystem change attributed to
administrative areas such as national, sub-national (e.g. regions and provinces) and river basin boundaries. Global data products for river flows and groundwater level have not yet been produced at useful spatial and temporal resolutions to be incorporated into this SDG 6.6.1 methodology. Currently, these data should continue to be provided from modelling or from ground-based measurements and required from the countries.
Further reading: https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/files/Metadata-06-06-01a.pdf
Ecosystems: Freshwater; Farmlands; Mountains; Grasslands, Shrublands and Savannahs; Peatlands
Importance for ecosystem restoration: Understanding the state of the world’s freshwater ecosystems is an essential first step in their protection and restoration. 85% of wetlands have disappeared in the last 300 years and 20% of the world’s river basins. Lakes, reservoirs and rivers are experiencing anomalies in their extent an available surface water. Monitoring the particular properties (area, quantity and quality) that generate information to determine the extent of changes is crucial to inform decisions and consider whether action is needed to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems (UNEP, 2021).
References:
UNEP (2021). Progress on freshwater ecosystems: tracking SDG 6 series – global indicator 6.6.1 updates and acceleration needs.
