1. 1 Expert workshop on components of EEA Ecosystem Capital Accounts Focus on biomass carbon and biodiversity data 24/03/2015

2. EEA approach for landscape structure and biodiversity Works on landscape structure and biodiversity at the EEA are aimed at the development of specific indicators, at macroscopic level and based on changes in ‘ecosystem condition’: For landscape structure NLEP (Net Landscape Ecosystem Potential) For biodiversity Indices of EU protected species (Article 17 reporting) Some indicators could be developed to extend the approach Bird indicators Ecotones 2

3. NLEP – Net Landscape Ecosystem Potential Description “NLEP is a way to measure and assess ecosystem integrity at a macro scale in Europe on the basis of land cover changes. The signal of land cover changes is enhanced by the probability of presence of areas representing high species/habitats diversity and by the weighting of presence of areas with high density of transportation networks.” NLEP = f (GBLI, NATURILIS, MEFF) where GBLI : Green Background Landscape Index NATURILIS : Index for protected areas MEFF : Index for fragmentation by main roads and railways GBLI and Naturilis can be calculated for many years Until now we have only one MEFF index, but this year a new calculation is programmed. 3

4. NLEP in the context of SECA 4

5. EU protected species (Article 17 reporting) Description The 1992 EU Habitats Directive requests Member States to undertake surveillance of habitats and species of Community interest (Article 11), i.e. those listed in its Annexes I, II, IV and V. Article 17 requires that Member States prepare reports to be sent to the European Commission every six years on the implementation of the Directive following an agreed format. From the first period of Art 17 reporting, we use 2 variables: Prevailing trends Prevailing prospects These indicators are built by distributing the “species” in their favourite habitat using CORINE. We have now a second reporting period so an account could be tested, with opening and closing situation. The last period of reporting is 2007-2012. 5

6. Ecotones Index Description “An ecotone is a transitional area between two different ecosystems, such as a forest and grassland. In landscape ecology, an ecotone is the border area where two patches meet that have different ecological composition. The ecotone contains elements of both bordering communities as well as organisms which are characteristic and restricted to the ecotone.” “Ecotones often have a larger number of species and larger population densities than the communities on either side. This tendency for increased biodiversity within the ecotone is referred to as the "edge effect." Ecotones can be observed at various scales from very large scale (ecotones between biomes…) to very small (micro level). The appearance of an ecotone varies depending on the scale of study. Thus, an ecotone can be studied at many spatial scales, from centimetres to thousands of kilometres. (The Encyclopedia of Earth, Article on Ecotones by Rose Graves) At a macro level an ecotone index could be calculated, with CLC 2000, 2006 and soon 2012. The methodology needs to be reviewed (in 2016) 6

7. A “common birds” Index Why a common birds index ? Common bird species are important in terms of links with ecosystems and their services Trends of common birds species are not reported under the EU nature directives (wild birds & habitats directives) Bird data are numerous in terms of spatial and temporal coverage (most EU countries, annual updates) They are well studied and a good indicator of changing ecological conditions 7

8. A common bird Index Questions: What indexes can be calculated from bird data to represent the changes between two dates Change in diversity ? Change in population ? How to interpret them related to ecosystem condition ? How to disaggregate in the grid of 1km² ? If disaggregation at 1km² grid is not possible, what is the lowest feasible disaggregation? 8