ÖkosystemStandardisierung

ÖkosystemStand is a framework for assessing the current status of an ecosystem or landscape. It compresses complex ecological information into a single or a small set of indicators to help managers compare sites and track change over time. The framework factors in biodiversity, structural integrity, functional processes, ecosystem services, and human pressures, and it emphasizes resilience and tipping points. The approach is collaborative and is designed to be adaptable across biomes and governance contexts.

The methodology typically involves selecting a core indicator set, collecting data from field surveys, remote sensing, and existing records, and applying a transparent scoring system. Indicators may include species richness, habitat connectivity, primary productivity, nutrient cycling, water quality, carbon storage, and service delivery like pollination or flood regulation. Scores are aggregated to produce an overall ÖkosystemStand grade or index, with documented uncertainties.

Applications include planning conservation priorities, evaluating land-use changes, informing policy and reporting frameworks, and supporting corporate sustainability assessments. The framework also serves as a communication tool to convey ecosystem status to stakeholders and the public.

Limitations include data gaps, context dependence, and the risk of oversimplification. Critics call for clear methodological alignment with regional baselines and ongoing validation across landscapes. See also ecosystem services, natural capital, biodiversity indices, and ecological indicators.