The special workshop “Earth observation for ecosystem and biodiversity monitoring – best practices in Europe and globally, at GI_Forum 2013, focused on the outcomes of the EUfunded projects MS.MONINA and BIO_SOS and related activities that highlight the potential of Earth observation data and technologies in support of biodiversity and ecosystem monitoring. In Europe, nature conservation rests upon a strong, yet ambitious policy framework with legally binding directives. Thus, geospatial information products are required at all levels of implementation. With advances in Earth observation data availability and the forthcoming of powerful data analysis tools we enter a new dimension of satellitebased services. Recent achievements of such endeavours were showcased and challenges discussed, using best practice examples from both inside and outside Europe. This article summarizes the state-of-the-art of satellite-based habitat mapping and accommodates the paper contributions in the current scientific discourse.