Integrity calculations

Calculating the Integrity of the crediting area via indicator species with partial integrity scores

As discussed in the Baseline assessment, indicator species and thus their observation area have an Integrity score based on their ability to represent the rest of their ecosystem.

We have addressed the union of observations in space and time. While this is relatively uncomplicated for two observations from species that have an integrity score of +1 (fully representative of the ecosystem) it can become complicated in the presence of species that have partial integrity scores.

This section explains the theory behind the summation of partial integrity scores, and provides some visual examples.

Partial scores can be summed. Where multiple sightings occur, the species indicator scores can be added together, to a maximum of +1. For example, if two indicator species such as a Tapir, with a score of 0.5 were sighted at the same coordinates, on the same day, the combined score would be +1 and a full VBC could be issued for hectares in the overlapping hectares.

Figure 11. Summing overlapping partial integrity scores.

Indicator species that offer full integrity, cannot be greater than +1 where they overlap, however a species like a Jaguar that has an integrity score of +1 will achieve the higher score on an overlapping area.

Figure 11a. Summing overlapping full and partial integrity scores.

While partial integrity scores may not offer additional crediting benefit, a full spectrum of data gives projects more validity in their claims to represent an intact ecosystem, and factors into qualitative assessments performed by IEP in their final evaluations.