The objective of the Guidelines on Biophysical Modelling for Ecosystem Accounting is to provide an overview of how biophysical modelling can be applied to facilitate the compilation of SEEA Ecosystem Accounting (SSEA EA) accounts. A unique characteristic of ecosystem accounts is that accounts are underpinned by spatial data sets. Biophysical modelling can fill data gaps where information is not readily available and spatially allocate data that is not spatially explicit.
While most biophysical models are not developed specifically for accounting purposes, many either produce results that can be used directly in SEEA EA or produce results that can be modified for use in SEEA EA. Identifying tools and modelling platforms that produce results aligned with SEEA EA, as well as associated best practices, will facilitate the compilation of ecosystem accounts.
The intended audience of these guidelines consists first and foremost of statistical agencies interested in compiling ecosystem accounts. The document assumes familiarity with the main concepts of the SEEA EA, but does not assume knowledge of biophysical modelling.