Spatial Data

To assess the probability of disruption risk users also require location-specific data on the current state of ecosystems and the mechanisms of change in state that affect them. Inventories of all available data relevant to natural capital and mechanisms of change in state at a global level were compiled. Data sources were gathered from a combination of general internet searches, scientific literature reviews, and previous UNEP-WCMC projects, using key words. International and national organisations, and authors of scientific publications, were contacted for further information where necessary.

A number of screening criteria, such as update frequency and temporal coverage, were recorded for each dataset to enable financial institutions to assess the suitability and robustness for decision making. These criteria were drawn from previous data inventories compiled by UNEP-WCMC for national and international projects on natural capital assessments and accounting. In particular, spatial datasets showing changes in the state or variability of natural capital or changes in the severity of mechanisms were identified where possible as these allow users to understand the risk of disruption to ecosystem service provision.

The following datasets were compiled as part of the overall project: