Headshot Photo of Liza Goldberg
2020 Award Recipient

LizaGoldberg

Project EcoMap

Location Clarksville, MD

Issue Area Climate Justice/Environment | Technology

Climate change and deforestation are resulting in the devastation of global mangrove forests – threatening the lives of thousands of species and major habitat loss. Until recently, there was no global data tracking system for mangrove loss around the world. At 14 years old, Liza identified this gap and, during an internship with NASA, created EcoMap, the first resource providing real-time information on global mangrove forest loss.

EcoMap uses satellite imagery to map where mangrove ecosystems are most threatened and why, helping scientists and conservationists identify priority regions for restoration and protection. In addition to identifying mangrove loss through EcoMap, Liza trains organizations and communities around the world on how they can use this information to make science-informed policy decisions to assist conservation.

Through satellite technology, we can see the world with new eyes, giving us perspective on how to best monitor and build a sustainable planet for the future. EcoMap enables scientists, conservations, and local populations to harness space to better understand Earth and its increasing fragility.

Liza Goldberg
“It is never too late, too early, or too often TO GIVE BACK AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE”
Helen Diller