Measuring Biodiversity: Mission Impossible?

With the human population continuing to grow and global warming increasing, biodiversity is threatened at an unprecedented rate. Biodiversity encompasses a wide range of species and ecosystems, and the connections between them. This chapter outlines the critical role of the financial sector in restoring biodiversity and equity among ecosystems. While there are several financial instruments such as bonds that have been developed to specifically address the challenge of biodiversity loss, their effectiveness is unclear. We are missing comprehensive measurement approaches and indicators to assess the success of these instruments. This chapter outlines three key challenges: 1) the complexity of biodiversity and the lack of delimitation from other concepts such as natural capital; 2) the diversity of measurement approaches and indicators; and 3) the lack of reliable data. Exploring these challenges, this chapter compiles the current state of biodiversity measurement and financing and outlines ways forward.