What are the best spatial planning tools and methods for assessing biodiversity values and threats?

1 Spatial data and mapping

One of the key aspects of spatial planning for biodiversity is to collect, analyze, and visualize spatial data and information on the distribution, status, and trends of biodiversity and its drivers. Spatial data and mapping can help to identify and prioritize areas of high biodiversity value, such as hotspots, corridors, habitats, and species ranges, as well as areas of high biodiversity threat, such as fragmentation, degradation, and conversion. Spatial data and mapping can also help to assess the impacts and trade-offs of different land use and management scenarios, and to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of conservation interventions. Some of the common spatial data sources and mapping tools for biodiversity include remote sensing, field surveys, citizen science, global and regional databases, geographic information systems (GIS), and online platforms.

2 Spatial indicators and metrics

Another important aspect of spatial planning for biodiversity is to develop and apply spatial indicators and metrics that can measure and communicate the state and change of biodiversity and its drivers. Spatial indicators and metrics can help to set goals and targets, to track progress and performance, to compare and benchmark different areas and regions, and to communicate and report the results and outcomes of spatial planning. Some of the common spatial indicators and metrics for biodiversity include species richness, endemism, rarity, diversity, abundance, distribution, habitat quality, connectivity, fragmentation, threat, pressure, impact, vulnerability, resilience, and conservation status.

3 Spatial frameworks and approaches

A third essential aspect of spatial planning for biodiversity is to adopt and implement spatial frameworks and approaches that can guide and support the design and management of land use and conservation strategies. Spatial frameworks and approaches can help to define and coordinate the roles and responsibilities of different actors and stakeholders, to align and integrate the policies and plans of different sectors and levels, to allocate and optimize the resources and actions of different interventions, and to evaluate and improve the outcomes and impacts of spatial planning. Some of the common spatial frameworks and approaches for biodiversity include systematic conservation planning, landscape ecology, ecosystem services, green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and adaptive management.

4 Spatial tools and methods

A fourth crucial aspect of spatial planning for biodiversity is to use and apply spatial tools and methods that can facilitate and enhance the analysis, visualization, communication, and participation of spatial data, indicators, frameworks, and approaches. Spatial tools and methods can help to improve the quality, accuracy, reliability, and usability of spatial information and knowledge, to increase the awareness, understanding, and engagement of different audiences and groups, to foster the collaboration, dialogue, and negotiation of different interests and values, and to support the decision-making, implementation, and learning of spatial planning. Some of the common spatial tools and methods for biodiversity include spatial modeling, scenario analysis, multicriteria evaluation, spatial optimization, spatial prioritization, spatial decision support systems, participatory mapping, interactive mapping, web mapping, and spatial storytelling.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?