Ecosystem integrity of active sand dunes: A case study to implement and test the SEEA-EA global standard, from Aotearoa New Zealand. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ryan, Cate; Case, Bradley S.; Bishop, Craig D.; Buckley, Hannah L.
• Is Part Of: Ecological indicators. Volume 149(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Indicators -- Monitoring -- Ecosystem integrity -- Condition -- Extent -- Sand dunes -- Aotearoa -- New Zealand -- United Nations -- SEEA – EA; SEEA-EA System of Environmental - Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting -- UN United Nations; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental impact analysis -- Periodicals; Environmental risk assessment -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.71405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2023.110172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-160X

Abstract

Highlights: Ecosystem integrity of active sand dunes was assessed with a new method, SEEA - EA, at national scale. Active sand dunes are highly important, rare, yet neglected ecosystems around the world. Using a case study, we determined the method effectively described the state of active sand dunes. Extent continues to decline and data gaps constrain integrity assessment, in line with global trends. The method can be refined and repeated to show how these systems are changing. Abstract: Biodiversity and ecosystem functions are deteriorating worldwide, and there is an urgent need to reverse these declines and set ecosystems on a path to recovery. Effective monitoring, including a fit for purpose indicator framework, is essential to track progress towards targets but, as yet there is no universal framework that delivers timely data on biodiversity and ecosystem change. Ecosystem integrity is a unifying concept that refers to the capacity of an ecosystem to be resilient to natural or anthropogenic perturbations, and to maintain characteristic species composition, structure, functioning and self-organisation over time within a natural range of variability. Using a case study which can be generalised to international contexts, we implement and test a new global standard for the assessment, monitoring and ranking of ecosystem integrity of active sand dunes in Aotearoa New Zealand.