Assessment and monitoring

Assessing and Monitoring KBAs

To achieve the aim of identifying, monitoring, and protecting the most vital places for life on Earth, a collective effort from individuals and organisations alike is required to succeed. The KBA Programme encourages nature-passionate people within countries to lead the identification of these important areas. We invite everyone—individuals, communities, and various stakeholders—to support the KBA Partnership in conserving, sustainably using, and managing these key areas.

Assessing or Reassessing KBAs

Key Biodiversity Areas can be assessed or reassessed and then proposed by a KBA National Coordination Group (KBA NCG), if one exists in a country, or by individuals and small groups. To ensure information about a site is always up-to-date and relevant, KBAs should be reviewed and updated every 8–12 years to confirm they still meet the criteria and to incorporate new biodiversity data or changes in site conditions.

KBA Monitoring

Once identified, KBAs need ongoing monitoring to guarantee they continue to support the biodiversity they were designated for. Anyone, from any country, can get involved in monitoring these sites by tracking and assessing threats, changes in their biodiversity elements, and the conservation measures in place. Advocacy for KBA conservation is also key. You can support these efforts by engaging with your government to emphasise the importance of these pivotal sites and promote their effective conservation.

Discover more about the KBA assessment and monitoring process:

KBA Criteria

KBAs are identified based on globally agreed scientific criteria ensuring sites of importance are documented, promoted and protected.

Proposal process

Anyone with appropriate data can propose a KBA. Proposals are submitted online through the World Database of KBAs and undergo systematic review to be confirmed.

Delineation

Delineation defines the geographic boundaries of a KBA, reflecting ecological relevance and practical management while involving stakeholder consultation.

Monitoring

KBA monitoring uses a State-Pressure-Response framework to track condition changes, threats, and conservation actions at sites.

Appeals

The identification and delineation of KBAs can be challenged through an established appeals process. Anyone can submit appeals if they believe a site should not be documented.

Using the WDKBA

The World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas (WDKBA) is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and accessible platform that supports the proposal process and the global database, and is managed by BirdLife International on behalf of the KBA Partnership.