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Attribute
types
Size
Physical
properties
Vegetation
structure
Species
composition
Biomass
Productivity
Specific
features
STRENGTHENING INDICATORS AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS FOR NATURAL CAPITAL
Table 3.3 Hypothetical examples of key attributes and generic limits that
define acceptable condition in two habitat types
Attribute (and
ecosystem service
relevance)
Area of habitat patch
(minimum area for key
species & interior
habitat)
Height/age classes
(regeneration of habitat
and underpins diverse
community)
Native species
(supports key species
of biodiversity)
Tree density (timber
production)
Dead wood (habitat for
key species)
On the basis of these observations and the discussions
in 3.2.2, we suggest that the status of biodiversity
could be (i) measured according to an expanded CBD
indicator set and the above framework, and (ii) summarised
into the following five headline indicators:
• taxonomic difference between species – phylogenetic
trends (indicators to be developed);
• population trends (e.g. based on a modified
version of the Living Planet Index (Collen et al. 2009;
Hails et al. 2008; Loh et al. 2005);
• species extinction risk trends (based on the Red
List index: see Baillie et al. 2008; Butchart et al.
2007; Butchart et al. 2005);
• ecosystem extent (following CBD practice, with
agreement on classes and definitions);
• the condition of ecosystems according to key
attributes (CBD indicators to be extended).
Temperate forest Blanket mire
Acceptable limits
>10ha
>20% mature trees,
2-5% seedlings
>90%
> 10 trees per ha
10 cubic foot per ha
Attribute (and
ecosystem service
relevance)
Area of habitat patch
(maintenance of
hydrology)
Peat depth (maintenance
of carbon)
Water level (vegetation
requirements and peat
protection)
Sphagnum mosses
(carbon sequestration
depend on these
species)
Dwarf shrubs
Not measurable in
practice
Forage (for livestock and
wild species)
These five headline indicators could form the basis of
SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic
and time-specific) targets for the status of biodiversity.
Like their constituent indicators (e.g. for each habitat
type), they are scalable and could therefore be used
for targets and monitoring from local to global scales,
subject to agreement on standards. Monitoring data
could also be differentiated according to sample
locations (e.g. to report on the condition and effectiveness
of protected areas) or applied to the land
holdings of corporations to assess their impacts on
biodiversity and ecosystems.
However, as noted in 3.2.1 above, the value of indicators
increases considerably if they are integrated
within a DPSIR framework. Including indicators of
drivers and pressures can warn of impending impacts,
TEEB FOR NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLICY MAKERS - CHAPTER 3: PAGE 12
Acceptable limits
>100ha
>10cm
90% potential net
primary production