IBAT Alliance celebrates unprecedented investment in global biodiversity data

The landmark funding will be channelled into three of the world’s most authoritative biodiversity datasets: the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA), and the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas (WDKBA). These datasets underpin critical global conservation efforts and inform decision-making by governments, businesses, and financial institutions worldwide. 

Dr Grethel Aguilar, IUCN Director General, said: 

The IUCN Red List is often referred to as the barometer of life—such is its value in assessing the extinction risks facing animals, fungi, and plants around the world. Investment from IBAT allows us to maintain the IUCN Red List as a vital resource for governments, businesses, and scientists alike. It supports the addition of new species groups, updates of previously assessed species, and improvements to systems and data. Overall, I’m delighted to see IBAT make such an important contribution to our mission—both financially and through the provision of trusted tools and services as we seek to mobilize a whole-of-society approach to deliver high-integrity, nature-positive outcomes.

A Year of Impactful Conservation Progress

The increased investment has enabled significant progress across all major datasets:

• World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas: Over 600 new KBAs were identified in 2024, with a particular focus on South America and Africa—regions that are among the most biodiverse in the world but have typically been underrepresented. This ensures that their unique landscapes, wildlife - and local communities that depend upon them - receive greater recognition in global policies and planning.

• World Database on Protected Areas: Data updates were completed for approximately 100 territories across all global regions, enhancing knowledge and showcasing conservation progress.

• IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Nearly 170,000 species were comprehensively assessed, including iconic species such as the Philippine eagle, black rhino, and sunflower sea star. The Red List’s rigorous categorization helps inform targeted conservation efforts, with tangible results—such as the recent reclassification of the Iberian lynx from Endangered to Vulnerable. Red List data also supports human health initiatives by improving understanding of the distribution of medicinal plants and disease vectors.

Driving Real Action on the Ground

The growth in investment reflects a broader trend: businesses and financial institutions are increasingly integrating authoritative biodiversity data into their decision-making. By the end of 2024, over 200 private sector organizations had used IBAT to access biodiversity data, generating critical funds that are reinvested back into the datasets. 

Ed Ellis, Head of IBAT, commented:

It is fantastic and inspiring that IBAT has been able to invest a record USD 2.5 million into biodiversity data in 2024, surpassing investments made in previous years. This contribution to the sustainability of world-leading biodiversity data plays a crucial role in ensuring these datasets continue to be updated and expanded, increasing our understanding of the health of our planet and the species and places most in need of conservation.

The growing use of IBAT encouragingly shows that more private sector actors are recognizing the importance of incorporating biodiversity into their operational decisions and highlights the key role that businesses can play in bending the curve on biodiversity loss.

Looking Ahead

The IBAT Alliance remains committed to building a more complete picture of global biodiversity. Its work supports international frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping organizations to set and measure progress toward global biodiversity targets.

As investment and engagement continue to grow, IBAT is set to play an even greater role in guiding global action for nature and people. IBAT and the pioneering data sets it features will be showcased at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October this year, where a series of sessions will be run to help organisations understand how to use IBAT for Biodiversity Risk Assessment and decision-making.