French Version
The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems has been a new global reference framework for assessing ecosystem vulnerability since 2014. Its objective is to provide an ecosystem dimension to biodiversity status knowledge and conservation strategies, based on easily understandable and scientifically rigorous assessments. The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems thus integrates the functional dimension of biodiversity, the links between species and with their environment, in order to identify those ecosystems that are most likely to collapse.
The assessment of all ecosystems (terrestrial, marine and freshwater) supports the establishment of priorities for action and contributes to strategies for biodiversity protection, land use planning and natural resource conservation. This tool also makes it possible to carry out periodic assessments and measure the impact of the ecosystem protection and management measures put in place.
At the global level, it has already been applied or is being applied in different territories, both on a continental scale (Americas, Europe), countries (Venezuela, Colombia, Australia, etc.), biogeographical regions, or for specific ecosystem types (coral reefs, boreal forests, etc.).
Structure des catégories de la Liste rouge des écosystèmes de l’UICN
An ecosystem corresponds to a set of living beings (biocenosis) that interact within the natural environment in which they live (biotope) and whose set constitutes a functional ecological unit within a defined space. The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems assesses the risk of collapse of these functional ecological units by describing and analysing the state of species assemblages, physico-chemical properties and the main processes and interactions between biocenosis and biotope that are characteristic of these ecosystems and govern their functioning. The methodology is based on 5 criteria: (A) Reduction of spatial distribution, (B) Restricted spatial distribution, (C) Degradation of the abiotic environment, (D) Disruption of biotic interactions and/or processes, (E) Quantitative analysis (modelling) estimating the probability of ecosystem collapse.
Mécanismes d'effondrement de l'écosystème et symptômes du risque d’effondrement (source : Keith et al., 2013)
France houses a great diversity of ecosystems thanks to its metropolitan and overseas territories, both on land and at sea (2nd largest maritime domain in the world). This gives it a primary responsibility for the preservation of this natural heritage.
Through its experience in drawing up the National Red List of Threatened Species, the French Committee of IUCN launched the Red List of Ecosystems in France in 2012. Established in accordance with IUCN criteria, the development of this Red List requires the collection of available data and the most complete and up-to-date information possible on the description and functioning of identified ecosystems, based in particular on extensive research.
In addition to assessing the vulnerability of all ecosystems and identifying those that are threatened, the Red List of Ecosystems identifies and describes all the processes that affect them.
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Peupleraie noire © C. Panaïotis & Pinède à Pin d’Alep © T. Gauquelin
The Red List of Ecosystems in France is prepared by the French Committee of IUCN, in partnership with the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (through PatriNat (OFB-MNHN-CNRS-IRD)) and in collaboration with many organizations. These assessments require the most complete and up-to-date information possible on the description and functioning of the identified ecosystems, based in particular on on many research projects.
The development of the Red List of Ecosystems in France involves all relevant experts and stakeholders by adopting a partnership approach and a peer review process, so that the results of these assessments are recognized and shared by all. The implementation of this tool therefore requires the involvement of different actors in research, knowledge and management of natural areas and political decision-making. Once validated, the results are published and disseminated on the websites of IUCN France and INPN.
These results help to inform decisions on land use planning, natural environment management and the development of relevant nature conservation strategies. These assessments also highlight key knowledge gaps for some ecosystems, and thus guide future research and data acquisition.
La Liste rouge des écosystèmes en France, chapitre Forêts méditerranéennes (2018)
The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems methodology represents a standardized and robust, transparent, objective and scientifically rigorous risk assessment framework whose results are easily understood by the general public and policy makers. This assessment methodology can be applied to consistent classifications of terrestrial, marine and underground ecosystem types. The flexibility of the protocol allows it to assess the risk to ecological entities whose biological and environmental characteristics may vary significantly, which may be at different organizational scales and whose amount of available data may vary.
Several Ecosystem Red Lists have been developed at the regional level, including by the national botanical conservatories, according to various typologies (phytosociological classification, CORINE biotopes, etc.) and methodologies (according to IUCN or other criteria). A draft guide to the application of the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems methodology at sub-national scales is being prepared, jointly led by the IUCN French Committee, the National Museum of Natural History and the network of national botanical conservatories.
To go further: consult the Regional Ecosystem Red Lists dashboard.
Listes rouges régionales
