Definitions

Ecosystems with good ecological condition are characterized by their structure, function, and productivity not being significantly below the reference condition. The reference condition is defined as an intact ecosystem.

Intact ecosystems are characterized by the naturally occurring species of the recent past. Neither invasive species nor extinct species are included in the definition of ‘intact nature’.

Intact nature is characterized by the absence of modern (post-industrial) and far-reaching human impacts. The reference climate is defined as in the recent past in the ‘normal period’ (1961-1990).