Consistent stratification of land into relatively homogenous strata provides a valuable spatial framework for comparison and analysis of ecological and environmental data across large heterogeneous areas. Furthermore, statistical stratification can be used to design national, European and global biodiversity observation networks. This paper illustrates the value of strategic ecological survey using the United Kingdom Countryside Survey, a national monitoring programme. It presents a design for a European-wide sampling design for monitoring common habitats. Finally, ways of extending these approaches globally through the Global Environmental Stratification are discussed. The Global Environmental Stratification provides a robust spatial analytical framework for the identification of gaps in current monitoring efforts, and systematic design of new complementary monitoring and research. Examples from Portugal and the transboundary Kailash Sacred Landscape in the Himalayas illustrate this potential use of the GEnS.