Researchers from Universitas Padjadjaran contributed to Chapter 19 – “Climate Change Challenges: The Vital Role of Google Earth Engine for Sustainability of Small Islands in the Archipelagic Countries” (Elsevier, 2025). This chapter highlights how small islands in archipelagic nations serve as critical guardians of ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which in turn sustain fisheries and coastal resilience. The study emphasizes that climate change and anthropogenic pollutants are threatening these ecosystems, and advanced digital tools like Google Earth Engine (GEE) offer a powerful platform for monitoring, mitigation, and sustainable planning — directly advancing SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
By leveraging GEE, researchers can integrate satellite data with local knowledge to track environmental changes, identify hotspots of degradation, and guide evidence-based policies. This approach empowers governments, NGOs, and local communities to better manage natural resources, enhance climate adaptation, and safeguard small islands’ ecological and socio-economic roles in archipelagic countries.
Meet the Researchers: This chapter was authored by Noir P. Purba and Muhammad Maulana Rahmadi from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran, collaborating with multiple institutions to promote innovative, technology-driven sustainability solutions for small islands. Their contribution reinforces Unpad’s leadership in marine conservation and climate adaptation research.
Reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-27372-8.00006-4
Hashtags: #SDG13 #SDG14 #SDG15 #ClimateAction #SmallIslands #GoogleEarthEngine #MarineConservation #UnpadResearch