Satellite Earth observation data to identify anthropogenic pressures in selected protected areas.

•Parks experience stress from human pressures, which require mapping and monitoring.•Earth observation (EO) data can monitor changes in state resulting from pressure over time.•Impact on landscapes, habitats and species communities can be related to pressure.•EO data useful for monitoring pressure and changes in state are listed for parks in six countries.•The approach is illustrated in two contexts in Italy and The Netherlands.