EBM BioQ: A smart way to measure and manage biodiversity
Biodiversity is under threat from human activities and pressures, such as pollution, overexploitation, invasive species and climate change.
Current methods for assessing and reporting biodiversity are often limited and inconsistent. They often fail to capture the complexity and functionality of ecosystems, and the services they provide to humans and nature.
How we can help
The Ecosystem-Based Management tool for Biodiversity Quantification (EBM BioQ) allows you to measure, compare and manage biodiversity and the functionality of different ecosystems in a holistic and transparent way.
It is based on the concept of ecosystem-based management (EBM), which considers the whole ecosystem.
To achieve a net-positive impact on biodiversity, it is essential to use this concept as a benchmark. Let it guide assessments and project decisions based on historical biodiversity, often in comparison to an undisturbed reference site or a specific point in time. EBM BioQ is available as a DHI service or can be integrated into any organisation’s reporting framework to supplement your biodiversity efforts.
How it works
EBM BioQ uses baseline information on species and ecosystem levels, derived from scientific data and expert knowledge. It provides a comprehensive overview of ecosystem components and their functions, such as:
- the diversity and abundance of marine life, from plankton to fish to mammals
- the structure of habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves
- the productivity and resilience of ecosystems, such as their ability to produce food and oxygen, and cope with disturbances
- the delivery and value of ecosystem services, such as climate regulation, coastal protection and recreation
Calculating the EBM BioQ score
EBM BioQ measures and monitors the state of biodiversity at different scales and dimensions.
It consists of three pillars that, combined gives an EBM BioQ score. The score indicates the state of biodiversity at a sampling station relative to a reference state. The higher the score, the more diverse and healthy the ecosystem.
Each pillar reflects a different aspect of biodiversity and its role in ecosystem functioning.
The three pillars of the EBM BioQ score
Taxonomic diversity
Measures the number and variety of species in an ecosystem. It can be calculated using indices that describe the abundance or richness of species.
Functional diversity
Measures the roles and interactions of species in an ecosystem. It can be calculated based on the ecological traits that describe the species contained in the ecosystem. The indices considered for this pillar can give information about the productivity and stability of ecosystem processes.
Interactive diversity
Measures the connections and dependencies among species in an ecosystem. It can be calculated using indices that describe the complexity or resilience of ecosystem networks.
Use EBM BioQ to:
Get started
EBM BioQ allows you to quantify biodiversity and make informed decisions. It can be readily applied as an advisory tool to support your reporting, EIAs and EBM choices.
Contact us
Contact us to learn more about our advisory services and solutions for biodiversity quantification.
Watch how EBM BioQ can help
In this free webinar you will learn how you can use the ecosystem-based management analysis framework EBM BioQ to evaluate the broader effects of biodiversity actions in an ecosystem context.
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With our global network of offices, we make sure you get the right answers to your local needs. Tell us about your water challenges and we will get back to you.