Innovation in scalable global metrics for evaluating biodiversity impact and risk in complex value chains

Quantifying biodiversity impacts along global value chains requires tools that use globally consistent data, transparent methods, and comparable metrics across sites and time. Map of Life Solutions (MOL Solutions), developed with 15 years of scientific backing from the Yale Center for Biodiversity and Global Change, provides an integrated biodiversity intelligence system. This system delivers harmonized indicators and advanced assessments to support supply-chain screening, site prioritization, and alignment with emerging disclosure frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN).

MOL Solutions' methodologies exceed current best practices by integrating advanced biodiversity science. Its core models utilize global species distribution models, ecological traits, environmental change time series, and conservation datasets.

The system's metrics are globally standardized, underpinned by Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs), and include indicators formally adopted by the Global Biodiversity Framework, such as the Species Habitat Index. Other key metrics evaluate species extinction risk, ecological condition and value, and vulnerability. These metrics can be applied across various spatial scales—from an individual farm to sourcing areas spanning a country—making them adaptable to a company's level of supply chain traceability. Assessments combine these biodiversity metrics with pressure and other environmental data to rigorously evaluate potential impact.

A critical feature is the inclusion of confidence measures for all remote sensing data, which helps users determine where direct, on-site measurement is most necessary. Moreover, the system facilitates the integration of diverse locally-collected data, including eDNA, acoustic sensors, camera traps, and UAV/LiDAR. Incorporating this on-the-ground information refines species confidence and updates model outputs.

By blending global modeling with local data integration, MOL Solutions enables companies to assess a range of both negative and positive biodiversity impacts and make scientifically credible claims. The system also delivers innovative insights into ecosystem service delivery. Together, these tools enable consistent, scalable tracking of biodiversity impact and risk across geographies and value chain stages, supporting more transparent decision-making for businesses, policymakers, and conservation actors.