All the monitoring data provided by Biodiversity.fi is presented in the form of indicators. By means of indicators we are able to present up to date information on the most important overall changes in Finland’s biological diversity in a clear, compact and easy to understand format. The above 120 indicators included in Biodiversity.fi have been grouped according to the main habitat types present in Finnish nature. In addition, Biodiversity.fi includes indicators on two processes, which affect all habitats: climate change and the spread of alien species.

The indicators are based on quantitative monitoring results. There are several requirements for monitoring data: alongside general quality requirements the monitoring has to be comprehensive both geographically and historically. The focus of Biodiversity.fi is on general trends and the state of biodiversity in Finland on the whole. Indicators are a great aid in getting a general picture of a broad and complex issue, but they also have their limitations.

Geographically Biodiversity.fi indicators illustrate phenomena only in the area of the state of Finland. This is politically understandable since Finland’s biodiversity issues are mainly managed by national legislation and other political guidance. Ecologically the national borders are nonetheless artificial. For example the conservation of the Baltic Sea has to be carried out by all nine coastal countries. Also the boreal forest and mire habitats are to be conserved on a wider scale than is nationally possible. The indicators in Biodiversity.fi are national and are based on surveys made in Finland only. However, in literal sections we have addressed the biodiversity issues also on a wider geographical scale.