Nature Health Index: A holistic approach to measuring and mapping ecological integrity

The global loss and degradation of ecosystems continue despite increasing protected area coverage, highlighting the need for better measures of ecosystem health beyond area-based targets like “30x30.” Ecological integrity (EI)—ecosystem structure, function, and composition—offers a holistic metric, but current global datasets are either too generalized ("top-down") or too localized and inconsistent ("bottom-up"). This project seeks Morpho's support to develop a scientifically robust, globally consistent, and practically feasible “Nature Health Index” that addresses this gap. The initiative is led by representatives from the world’s largest conservation NGOs—WCS, CI, WWF, and TNC—who rely on accurate EI data for decision-making, policy engagement, and restoration efforts. With Morpho’s help, they will convene scientists, early-career researchers, and experts across sectors to review existing EI data, identify gaps, and define indicators for key biomes (e.g., forests, rivers). The group will explore methods for integrating these indicators into biome-specific integrity indices and an overarching Nature Health Index. Activities include data analysis, workshops, and collaborative publications. The project proposes three workshops over two years to align objectives, develop indicators and methods, review findings, and finalize outputs. This effort will guide conservation actions, influence global policy, and shape future research on ecosystem health.