Essential Biodiversity Variables Framework for Terrestrial Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems

This report presents the outcomes of the international workshop “Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBV) Framework for Terrestrial Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Ecosystems,” held in Cambridge, UK, from 18–20 September 2024. The workshop aimed to develop a standardized framework for identifying and monitoring terrestrial EBVs across these vulnerable and rapidly changing high-latitude environments. Building on global frameworks while addressing regional ecological and logistical challenges, the adoption of standardized EBVs will enable consistent, comparable biodiversity data to assess ecological status and trends, understand anthropogenic pressures, and inform evidence-based conservation and policy.

A preliminary suite of EBVs is proposed, spanning multiple levels of biological organization, from genes to ecosystems, including metrics on species composition, population dynamics, functional traits, and ecosystem processes. The report underscores the need for harmonized monitoring protocols, robust data standards, long-term continuity, and shared analytical workflows for EBV computation. It also stresses the importance of leveraging existing datasets, infrastructure, and open science practices to enhance integration and accessibility.

This report marks a foundational step toward establishing a terrestrial Antarctic biodiversity observing system grounded in EBVs. Achieving this vision will require sustained collaboration among researchers, data managers, and policymakers.