POTENTIAL ROLE OF MODERN GIS TECHNOLOGIES IN ACHIEVING THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS.

Large scale infrastructure construction projects and industrial activity including mining, energy and manufacturing usually involve complex trade-offs on competing land-uses. As a result, often industrial and construction initiatives lead to biodiversity loss. Regional and landscape scale planning may be used to minimise negative impacts on natural ecosystems, thereby contributing to achievement of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. Modern geographic information systems (GIS) and information technology (IT) can be very helpful here. However, full potential of the use of these tools requires deep understanding on what exactly are capabilities of modern technology in mitigation of androgenetic activity on biosphere. In present article conceptual research methods are used to synthesise and critically evaluate opportunities provided by modern GIS and IT technologies, with particular focus on remote sensing and big data applications. Lack of clear understanding of available technological tools, many of which are based on open access resources and software, may be impeding stakeholders from achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This situation can be avoided through provision of relevant information and training to stakeholders involved in infrastructure and industrial initiatives. The present article helps to understand the application of relevant GIS and IT tools in large scale land-use management planning and provides recommendations to governmental agencies, conservation actors, developers and corporation managers on cost-effective ways of the technology application for minimization of harmful impacts of anthropogenic activity on the environment. Widespread uptake of the proposed technology applications may have a significant contribution to achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals with minimal costs and maximal effectiveness [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]