OUR CLASSIFICATIONS
The ESVD employs widely recognized classifications to efficiently code different variables within three key categories: biomes & ecosystems, ecosystem services, and valuation methods. Our comprehensive framework enables effective categorization and analysis of crucial elements in the database.
BIOMES & ECOSYSTEMS
CLASSIFICATIONS
ESVD 2.0 BIOMES AND ECOSYSTEMS CLASSIFICATION
The ESVD 2.0 Biomes and Ecosystems classification categorizes various ecosystem types based on the FAO Global Ecological Zoning framework (2015) and the 2020 IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology. We developed this classification as part of our project with FAO for their new tool called Adaptation, Biodiversity, and Carbon (ABC) mapping tool. By utilizing a detailed hierarchy of biomes, ecozones, and ecosystems, the ESVD 2.0 Biomes and Ecosystems classification enables us to precisely classify the ecosystem types within the ESVD.
TEEB CLASSIFICATION
Biomes and ecosystems are classified based on the TEEB classification, categorized in 15 biomes and 84 ecosystem types.
ECOSYSTEM SERVICES
CLASSIFICATIONS
SYSTEM OF ECONOMIC-ENVIRONMENTAL ACCOUNTING (SEEA) CLASSIFICATION
The United Nations developed the SEEA (System of Environmental-Economic Accounting) ecosystem service classification in 2021. Their goal was to create a practical and globally accepted classification system, mainly focused on ecosystem accounting. This classification is organized into three main categories: services that provide resources, services that regulate and maintain ecosystems, and services that have cultural value.
COMMON INTERNATION CLASSIFICATION OF ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (CICES) V5.1 CLASSIFICATION
Ecosystem services are classified using the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services (CICES) V5.1. This classification has been designed to help measure, account for, and assess ecosystem services. Although it was developed in the context of work on the System of Environmental and Economic Accounting (SEEA) that is being led by the United Nations Statistical Division (UNSD), it has been used widely in ecosystem services research for designing indicators, mapping and for valuation.
THE ECONOMICS OF ECOSYSTEMS AND BIODIVERSITY (TEEB) CLASSIFICATION
The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) introduces a classification system consisting of 22 ecosystem services categorized into four main groups, which align closely with the MA (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment) classification. These categories include provisioning services, regulating services, habitat services, and cultural and amenity services.
VALUATION METHODS CLASSIFICATION
In our database, it is important to record the valuation method used for valuing each observation because the choice of valuation method significantly impacts the magnitude of the estimated value. The classification of economic valuation methods is based on the work done by the ESMERALDA project.