Introduction to Mapping Biodiversity Priorities

Harness the power of spatial data to map biodiversity priorities! Learn to map, assess and prioritise biodiversity for policy, planning, decisions, action and monitoring. 

About the course

This course introduces a practical step-by-step approach to spatial biodiversity assessment and prioritisation. Learn how to use four core spatial datasets to create useful indicators of biodiversity, at ecosystem and species level, and maps identifying priority areas. These insights on where biodiversity occurs, where it is most threatened, and where to act first, are valuable for various applications, from mainstreaming biodiversity to global reporting.

Based on the “Mapping Biodiversity Priorities” guide, this course demonstrates how even data- and resource-poor countries can develop essential spatial biodiversity information for national policy, planning, decisions, action and monitoring. 

Who should take this course?

• Government officials involved in biodiversity management, conservation or reporting, especially at the national level. 
• Policy and decision-makers seeking to understand biodiversity mapping, assessment, prioritisation and planning. 
• Representatives of NGOs and organisations that support government with biodiversity mapping, assessment and planning efforts. 
• Practitioners in land, catchment, or ocean management, including conservation planners, protected area managers and researchers. 

What are the benefits of this course?

• To learn a practical step-by-step approach to spatial biodiversity assessment and prioritisation. 
• To discover how four core spatial datasets can be used to create useful biodiversity indicators at ecosystem and species level, and maps of biodiversity priority areas. 
• To gain insights into how spatial biodiversity information can inform national policy, planning, decisions, action and monitoring, as ​​well as laying the basis for mainstreaming biodiversity. 

What will you get from this course?

• Understand the step-by-step Mapping Biodiversity Priorities approach. 
• Identify and understand the four core spatial datasets required. 
• Navigate the Mapping Biodiversity Priorities guide (2^nd edition), which provides further details.  
• Learn about global standards like the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and Key Biodiversity Areas. 
• Understand how spatial biodiversity information can inform national policy, planning, decisions and action. 

For a successful completion, participants must:

Pass the knowledge checks and the final assessment.

Developed by

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) developed this course from the Mapping Biodiversity Priorities guide, published by SANBI and the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) in 2024. The course has case studies and contributions from various partners in the Southern African region, including partners under the SBAPP Regional Project and from Botswana. 

Financial support

The second edition of the Mapping Biodiversity Priorities guide, on which this course is based, was funded by the Agence Française de Développement and the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial through their support to the SBAPP Regional Project.  This second edition was welcomed by the IUCN and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The Alcoa Foundation supported the development of this course financially.