Selection criteria for ecosystem condition indicators

The UN System of Environmental-Economic Accounting Ecosystem (SEEA EA) aims at regular and standardised stocktaking the extent ecosystems, their condition, services they provide to society. Recording condition ecosystems is one most complex pieces in this exercise needs be supported by consistent guidelines. SEEA EA defines an ecosystem as its overall quality, measured terms quantitative metrics describing abiotic biotic characteristics. One key challenges lies identifying appropriate for each type that capture these essential objective paper create a well-defined framework transparent operative development indicators, which can used accounting assessment studies. Starting from documentation small targeted systematic review, we identified 12 criteria, grouped according roles during indicator process. Five conceptual criteria (intrinsic relevance, instrumental sensitivity, directional meaning, conformity) outline priorities relevant characteristics ecosystems. practical (validity, reliability, availability, simplicity, compatibility) guidance on concrete selected Finally, two ensemble (comprehensiveness, parsimony) ensure completeness complementarity final set metrics. To tackle climate biodiversity crises, better recognized national economic planning. proposed supports selection concise salient credible indicators through transparent, repeatable scientific This make compilation accounts more accessible global level, prerequisite success EA. Additionally, presented may useful other contexts where ecological, environmental, or sustainability need identified.