The Canadian Space Agency published a new opportunity with $5M in total funding for Satellite Mobilization for Biodiversity Action.
The announcement of opportunity (AO) was posted by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to its website on January 27, 2025.
Satellite Mobilization for Biodiversity Action
The AO is a result of Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy which was released June 13, 2024. The strategy included satellite data in 7 of its 23 targets and implementation plans.
For this AO the CSA characterized and outlined the objectives as follows:
“The 2030 Nature Strategy highlights the importance of filling critical knowledge gaps and undertaking priority assessments of ecosystems and biodiversity with a restoration and conservation objective. Satellite Earth Observation (SEO) has contributed to several solutions pertaining to these and can play an ongoing and critical role in the realization of the goals, targets and indicators included in the strategy.”
- To support the development of space-based solutions in the form of innovative applications (new applications, data products, models/prototypes, methodologies, solutions, tools, systems, processes, technologies, services, teaching/learning methods and education material) to meet today’s biodiversity challenges resulting in a better future for all Canadians.
- To leverage emerging opportunities such as digital technologies and capabilities (for example, cloud computing, machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence), as well as the growing sources of satellite remote sensing/Earth observation data to maximize Canada’s contribution to biodiversity action.
- To advance knowledge and capacity for the downstream community interested in remote sensing and/or Earth observation. In this regard, we encourage collaboration with other stakeholders, including but not limited to, post-secondary institutions, Canadian space industry, other government departments, international partners, and Indigenous People.
With a maximum funding of $250,000 per project there is enough funding for an “estimated” 20 projects. Awards will be in the form of “Non-Repayable Contributions” and those interested have until February 28, 2025 to submit application. The CSA estimates that projects start on October 1, 2025 and have up to 24 months to complete the work. The AO is “open to for-profit and not-for-profit organizations established and operating in Canada, excluding academic institutions.”
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