This chapter describes the MapBiomas Network operating model. It also describes the organization, governance and management strategies and tools of the Global Network. 

This section describes the steps from building the national network to becoming a network multiplier. 

We use a three-pillar approach to scale in existing and new countries: 

1. building the network; 

2. producing, publishing and promoting maps; and

3. sustaining and consolidating operations and growing networks. 

This three-pillar approach can be further segmented into a six-step process that we use internally to quickly establish the capacity to generate consistent, updated and relevant land cover and land use maps, and to support other countries in doing the same. It also marks key milestones for the network's maturity – we consider that countries in an advanced stage of development have completed at least two cycles of “Produce and Promote Maps” and are now on the “Sustain” steps.

1. Build the network: This step involves exploring relationships with potential local partners, performing due diligence to select a lead organization, and recruiting local organizations to join the country ecosystem.

2. Produce maps: During this phase, participants receive training on land cover classification and map development, define the scope, timeframe, and land classes, produce time series of annual maps, calculate land transitions, and evaluate map accuracy.

3. Publish maps: This step includes generating statistics for territories, building a website and platform for the country project, releasing collections of maps and reports online, and gathering feedback from users through webinars and meetings.

4. Promote maps: This ongoing work focuses on promoting the use of the data by key stakeholders such as local governments, the judiciary, the private sector, financial institutions, academia, the press, and the public.

5. Establish funding and impact measurement: This involves creating connections between local organizations and funders and establishing a system to monitor the impact of MapBiomas.

6. Become a network multiplier: This stage entails collaborating with the network to develop new types of maps and training other organizations on map development.

Table 1 : MapBiomas Model

This section defines the global and local networks, as well the MapBiomas initiatives and respective products. 

MapBiomas is a global network formed by local networks that develop initiatives and products related to mapping and monitoring land cover and land use change.

• Global Network: When we refer to MapBiomas Network we are referring to the global network including all organizations in all countries where MapBIomas is present. The members of the global network are the participating countries and the secretariat (see definition below).

• National Networks: Each country has a national network with coordination and institutional representation (who serves as focal point to the global network). National network members are typically NGOs, universities, or tech startups. Although there is no restriction for a government/public institution to be part of the network, they have to be compatible with the DNA of MapBiomas . This is rare due to the characteristics of the Network (but there are cases in Argentina and Uruguay for example).

We call each National Network as MapBiomas Country - for example: MapBiomas Argentina, MapBiomas Brazil and MapBiomas Indonesia. In each country a local network is formed.

As of September 2025, there were 14 operational National Networks that form MapBiomas Network: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, Venezuela and Suriname which are working together with Guiana and French Guiana. New countries in process of implementation in 2025 are India, México and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Figure 1:  National Networks that form MapBiomas Network

• Initiatives: Initiatives are the major mapped themes. The current initiatives on MapBiomas are: 

  • Land Cover & Land Use Annual Monitoring

  • Fire Scars

  • Water Surface

  • Soil

  • Deforestation Alerts

  • Degradation

Each initiative has specific mapping methods and periodicity.

Each country defines which initiatives are relevant to the local context and when they will start to produce the maps. The only initiative that must be mapped by all countries is land cover and land use annual monitoring.

• Products: products are datasets, which can be made available in different ways, such as maps, reports, fact sheets, websites or modules on the platform, among others. Each initiative has one or more products. Some of the products are default for the initiative such as a dashboard to access any data set created.

Find in this link a table that presents the Products available in October 2024, highlighting the ones that are default for each initiative.

This section describes the different groups that are responsible for the network governance, their participants and respective roles. 

3.1. Global Network Governance 

The groups/teams that make the governance of MapBiomas include:

• Coordination Committee of the Network

• Working Group

• Study Group

• Network Secretariat

• General Coordination of the Network

• Scientific Advisory Commitee (SAC)

• Funders Committee

Below is the description of each element of global governance.

3.1.1. Coordination Committee

The Coordination Committee is formed by representatives from each country and the network's secretariat.

It makes decisions, consolidates and harmonizes the process of expansion and development of MapBiomas Initiatives, advising on the planning and execution strategies taken within countries and themes, defining the attributions of each team, coordinating the calendar, collaborative efforts and guiding scientific results.

Meets once a month via video conference and once a year in person. For a broader  perspective of the Network Coordination Committee please visit this document. 

3.1.2. Working groups (WG)

WG aims to deliver specific products/goals using similar/common approaches in all regions. 

WG are open to everyone in the network that is interested in participating.  The WG can invite external experts to participate.

3.1.3. Study groups (SG)

SG aims to improve the understanding of a key subject, as well as the exchange and collaboration between regions. May evolve into a Working Group. 

SG are open to everyone in the network that is interested in participating.  The SG can invite external experts to participate.

3.1.4. Network Secretariat

The Network Secretariat is responsible for coordinating the actions in the network to pursue the strategy and directions defined by the Coordination Committee of the Network.

The Secretariat sits in one of the member countries (currently Brazil) and is formed by:  (i) General Coordination; (ii) Executive secretariat and (iii) Fiscal sponsor partner.

(i) General Coordination - The General Coordination is formed by the general coordinator, scientific coordinator, technical coordinator and the communication coordinator. They are responsible for the  representation of the network and orientation for its functioning.

(ii) Executive Secretariat - The Executive Secretariat is responsible for coordinating the agendas for launching initiatives and products, guarantee that DNA and good practices are observed throughout the network and facilitate the process of implementation that requires interactions across the network. Currently (October 2024) the Executive Secretariat has two dedicated persons, a Coordinator and an Assistant and receive the support from IAMap in Brazil for all administrative and back office matters.

(iii) Fiscal Sponsor Partner - This is the partner that represents MapBiomas on the relationship with funders for the Network backing the subgrants to the countries according to the directions of the General Coordination. The partner currently serving as fiscal sponsor is AVINA Americas.

3.1.5. Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)

The global network SAC is formed by at least four renowned international scientists experts in remote sensing and land use changes. It is recommended to promote gender and biomes/territories expertise balance in the SAC. It aims to discuss the MapBiomas Network challenges and directions and to provide inputs, insights and critiques, contributing to the excellence of the initiatives and products of the network. The Committee is expected to prepare a report annually with general recommendations for the collections and products.

Countries and initiatives may have a regional SAC, aiming to discuss challenges of the specific territories or themes and provide directions, inputs, insights and critiques. The regional SAC meets once a year in person. 

3.1.6. Funders Committee

This is a space for cultivating the relationship with our funders. In this space we discuss context, present and discuss the strategy of MapBIomas, the initiative and programs, impact and other topics.

All institutions that have already financed, those that are currently financing and the potential future financiers are invited to participate.

Meets twice a year through video conference for 1:30 h.

3.2 Governance at National Level

This session presents good practices for the governance of the network at national level.

• Local Network - Each country will have its own network of organizations that make MapBIomas. This network should ideally be multi-institutional, represent the knowledge of different regions and have a blend of experience in remote sensing, computer science and land use.

• Local Coordination - this is the organization that will take lead on facilitating the network in the country. Most of the time this organization will serve as the fiscal sponsor in the country.

• Fiscal Sponsor - the organization that plays the role of receiving and managing the funds/grants for the implementation of MapBiomas. They will make the sub Grants for the co-creators of the country.

• Other elements of governance: the countries may organize themselves considering Working Groups,  Study Groups and Scientific Advisory Committee.

There is no need for formal contract/agreement to build the network but it is a good practice to have a self declaration of commitment with MapBiomas DNA for each organization that enters the local network.

Every country should decide two representatives (principle and deputy) to represent the country at the MapBiomas Global Network - in particular for the monthly coordination calls.

This section describes general strategies and highlights the strategies, assets, tools and softwares typically used in the network.

MapBiomas is all about collective and to be effective some aspects should be considered:

• We want to build a space of trust where everybody feels comfortable to express its ideas, suggestions, doubts and critiques.

• Since we work mostly on line - with teams in different parts of the country it is important to have spaces for systematic interaction. Typically a 1-2 hour weekly open meeting for all teams over web-Conference is a good opportunity to keep all up to speed. 

During the weekly meetings, include 3 items always in the agenda: (i) news and updates about MapBiomas and the world of mapping since last meeting; (ii) Update on initiatives and products; (iii) at least one topic for deepdive.

• Take every opportunity possible to engage in in-person meetings that help to create bonds between the teams.

• Maintain a vibrant group of discussion in WhatsApp or other app but maintain the WG open for everybody interested to join.

4.1 Tools, assets and softwares 

• Meetings

  • Annual Meeting

  • Virtual Meetings

• Videoconferences and Webinar

  • Zoom

  • Google Meets

  • Teams

  • Stream Yard

• Data and document organization

• Websites

  • External - Wordpress

  • Internal - Google Sites

• Cloud Computing

  • Google Earth Engine

  • Google Cloud Storage

  • Google Cloud Machine

  • Google Drive

  • Github

• Communication tools

  • Website

  • Social Networks

    • Linkedin

    • YouTube

    • Instagram

    • X/Twitter

• Management tools

  • Click Up

  • Discord