IPBES core glossary

See invasive alien species.

A species, subspecies, or lower taxon occurring outside of its natural range (past or present) and dispersal potential (i.e. outside the range it occupies naturally or could not occupy without direct or indirect introduction or care by humans) and includes any part, gametes or propagule of such species that might survive and subsequently reproduce. Also known as non-native, non-indigenous, foreign, or exotic species.

a species whose presence in a region is attributable to human actions, intentional or unintentional, that enable them to overcome biogeographical barriers (Richardson et al., 2010; Figure 1.1). This includes species, subspecies or lower taxon, and any part (gametes, seeds, eggs, or propagules) of such species that might survive and subsequently reproduce

Refer to sites containing 95% or more of the remaining population of one or more species listed as endangered or critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Soils deposited by water.

The diversity of species within a particular area or ecosystem, expressed by the number of species (species richness) present there.

Plausible future pathways either arising from or forming scenario assessments, often presented as narratives that explore or articulate possibilities.

Variable pathways or routes leading to plausible Alternative Futures.

Policy combinations that act to improve condistions or situations.

Without a clearly defined shape or form.

Descriptive of a condition in which molecular oxygen is not available.

The attribution of a living soul to living beings, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena.

The attribution of a soul to plants, inanimate objects, and natural phenomena.

In Botany, refers to plants that grow from seed to maturity, reproduction and death in one year. Related terms are biennial (plants that take two years to complete their life cycles), and perennial (plants that take several or many years to complete their life cycles).

adj. Referring to events that occur once each year. Botanical meaning refers to plants that grow from seed to maturity, reproduction and death in one year. Related terms are biennial (plants that take two years to complete their life cycles), and perennial (plants that take several to many years to complete their life cycles).

In botany, refers to plants that grow from seed to maturity, reproduction and death in one year. Related terms are biennial (plants that take two years to complete their life cycles), and perennial (plants that take several many years to complete their life cycles).

Depleted of dissolved oxygen.

Extreme coastal hypoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen <0.5mL per liter), leading to dead zones with mass mortality of benthic fauna.

A shortened form for 'anthropogenic biome', also known as 'human biome'. Describes the contemporary, human-altered form of biomes. Transformation to an anthrome occurs where people capture one or more nature's contributions to people into anthropogenic pa.

Neologism for Anthropogenic biome, i.e. an ecosystem produced by humans.

A proposed term for the present time interval, which recognizes humanity’s profound imprint on and role in the functioning of the Earth system. Since it was first proposed in 2000, the term has evolved in breadth and diversely, now ranging from a proposed definition of a new geological epoch, a widely-used metaphor for global change, a novel analytical framework, a meme about the relationship of society to nature, and the framing for new and contested cultural narratives. Different starting periods have been proposed for the geological definition of the Anthropocene, including early agriculture and domestication, colonial species exchange, the onset of the industrial revolution, nuclear bomb deployment in 1945, and the post-WWII period characterized by the great acceleration of global changes and the spread of techno-fossils. A proposal to formalize the ‘Anthropocene’ as a defined geological unit within the Geological Time Scale remains under discussion by the ‘Anthropocene’ Working Group for consideration by the International Commission on Stratigraphy.

A proposed term for the present time interval, which recognizes humanity’s profound imprint on and role in the functioning of the Earth system. Since it was first proposed in 2000, the term has evolved in breadth and diversity, now ranging from a proposed definition of a new geological epoch, a widely-used metaphor for global change, a novel analytical framework, a meme about the relationship of society to nature, and the framing for new and contested cultural narratives. Different starting periods have been proposed for the geological definition of the Anthropocene, including early agriculture and domestication, colonial species exchange, the onset of the industrial revolution, nuclear bomb deployment in 1945, and the post-WWII period characterized by the great acceleration of global changes and the spread of techno-fossils (Brondizio et al., 2016). A proposal to formalize the ‘Anthropocene’ as a defined geological unit within the Geological Time Scale remains under discussion by the ‘Anthropocene’ Working Group for consideration by the International Commission on Stratigraphy.

Anthropocentric qualifies an action or a perception of a given situation that is interpreted by humans or consider humans as the main focus. Nature's contributions to people are fundamentally anthropocentric.

Human-centred, the value that something has for human beings and human purposes.

The value that something has for human beings and human purposes.

See values.

In an anthropocentric view of nature, nature is valued for its benefits to human beings. See Ecocentric.

Originating from human activity.

Built-up infrastructure, health facilities, knowledge (including indigenous and local knowledge systems and technical or scientific knowledge, as well as formal and non- formal education), technology (both physical objects and procedures), and financial assets among others.

Built-up infrastructure, health facilities, or knowledge - including indigenous and local knowledge systems and technical or scientific knowledge - as well as formal and non-formal education, technology (both physical objects and procedures), and financial assets. Anthropogenic assets have been highlighted to emphasize that a good quality of life is achieved by a co-production of benefits between nature and societies.

Built-up infrastructure, health facilities, or knowledge - including indigenous and local knowledge systems and technical or scientific knowledge - as well as formal and non-formal education, technology (both physical objects and procedures), and financial assets. Anthropogenic assets have been highlighted to emphasize that a good quality of life is achieved by a co-production of benefits between nature and people.

Built-up infrastructure, health facilities, or knowledge - including indigenous and local knowledge systems and technical or scientific knowledge - as well as formal and non-formal education, work, technology (both physical objects and procedures), and financial assets. Anthropogenic assets have been highlighted to emphasize that a good quality of life is achieved by a co-production of benefits between nature and people.

See 'Anthrome'.

Drivers associated with human actions/activities that drive changes in biodiversity and ecosystems.

Impacts resulting from human activities.

Areas of Earth's terrestrial surface where direct human alteration of ecological patterns and processes is significant, ongoing, and directed toward servicing the needs of human populations for food, shelter and other resources and services including recreation and aesthetic needs.