Applying the System of Environmental Economic Accounting-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) framework at catchment scale to develop ecosystem extent and condition accounts

Ecosystem accounting is a tool to integrate nature into decision-making in more structured way. Applying the use of nationally available datasets at catchment scale and following System Environmental Economic Accounting-Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA) framework, we present results from case study Ireland, highlighting findings specifically relation development ecosystem extent condition accounts. In absence national map, CORINE landcover mapping formed basic data for type ecosystems, distinguishing woodlands forest, peatland heathland, grasslands cropland urban areas, with limited coverage linear freshwater rivers, hedgerows coastal ecosystems. Additional remote sensing provided higher resolution scale, while site-level survey were available. Condition gathered reporting under EU Water Framework Directive sub-basin level surface waterbodies. Data habitats reported Habitats (59 reported), covering ~ 25% area. types outside these frameworks form ancillary only, providing information on pressures, threats intensity use. Our Ireland reflect work across European region, role gathering stakeholder engagement. We outline some gaps provide future research alignment purpose NCA, both scale.