Information content of global ecosystem service databases and their suitability for decision advice – data repository

The concept of ecosystem services (ES) is attracting increased attention as a way to communicate the value of nature for human well-being by using a language that reflects dominant political and economic views. Progress in ES research has been rapid (Guerry et al. 2015), and there is an increasing information demand for diverse groups of decision makers (Schaefer et al. 2015; Bouwma et al. 2017). Incorporating ES information into decision making, however, is a long-term project and requires successfully addressing a number of challenges. One challenge is to efficiently exploit available information sources for decision advice. In Schmidt and Seppelt (2018) we reviewed how information contained in ES databases can support policy instruments to better take nature’s benefits into account. Here the data compiled within Schmidt and Seppelt (2018) was made available. In total 29 databases with global coverage were reviewed that contain information of 36,014 studies, projects and methods within more than 600,000 entries. Additionally, I identified 93 indicators of information demand for six major policy instruments which deal with or are directly related to the use of natural resources or land. Database entries were than matched with indicators of information demand. The resulting dataset encompasses the total number of data entries of ES databases that could be thematically linked to information requirements from indicators of information demand. Also, data was made available that provides broader insights into the content, design and impact of reviewed ES databases. Facilitating data discovery and linking ES databases with policy instruments are essential steps for the incorporation of ES information into decision making. <br>