A global dataset of indicators for biodiversity, ecosystems, and sustainability decision-making

Abstract

This work presents a harmonised global dataset of nature-related indicators covering biodiversity, ecosystem condition, and ecosystem services. It is designed to support businesses, policymakers, researchers, and sustainability practitioners in selecting indicators, identifying gaps, comparing frameworks, and engaging with integrated nature-related decision-making. 

The dataset includes 1,798 indicators extracted from 143 documentary sources across 25 business- and policy-oriented initiatives. Indicators are aligned with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EA), the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs), and the Essential Ecosystem Service Variables (EESVs). The dataset also includes data on indicator type, thematic scope, spatial scale, confidence level, and originating initiative.