Eastern Qilian Shan mountains
World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas
About
At IBAT we provide commercial access to the world's most authoritative biodiversity data for web-based mapping, analysis, and reporting to help you assess risk, prioritise nature-related action and meet disclosure requirements.
We offer a range of options, from one-off analysis and reporting, to subscriptions supported by our expert team, technical add-ons such as APIs for organisations seeking to build data into their own systems, and more.
It is free to create a basic account in IBAT and this is available to all from individuals to Not-for-Profit organisations, academic institutes and corporates. Click here to create yours and explore the platform. We also offer additional options.
Are you from a corporate looking to map biodiversity risks, prioritise action, report, and access support from our expert team? There are various subscriptions available. We recommend booking a demo with us to discuss your requirements and find the most suitable option for you. We also offer a Pay-As-You-Go service for those interested in single assessments and reports.
Are you from a Not-for-Profit organisation or academic institute? You may qualify for free access to paid functionality. Get in touch using our 'contact us' page to find out more (applies for non-commercial use only).
Are you a service provider interested in collaborating with us to offer IBAT data as part of your package or service? Visit our collaborations page to find out more.
IBAT is the only organisation to provide commercial access to world-leading datasets the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA), World database of Key Biodiversity Areas (WDKBA) and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We also provide derived datasets - the Rarity-Weighted Richness layer and Species Threat Abatement and Restoration or STAR metric.
With IBAT you can rely on the world's most authoritative data to understand and mitigate risk, align your action with global frameworks and support nature-positive goals. Funds generated by IBAT are reinvested back into the datasets, so by using IBAT, you can have a direct impact on the data which underpins global biodiversity commitments.
World-leading data and insights from an alliance of four of the world’s most influential conservation organisations.
Our vision
Our vision is that authoritative biodiversity data results in organisations taking positive action for nature.
African Wild Dog
Endangered
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Great Barrier Reef
UNESCO World Heritage Site
World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas
Our mission
Our mission is to provide data, tools and guidance that help organisations act on biodiversity related risks and opportunities and generates sustainable funding to support biodiversity data sets.
Our story
Founded in 2008, IBAT has been a trusted resource for organizations worldwide, supporting the private sector, governments, not-for-profits, and research institutions in making informed biodiversity decisions for nearly two decades.
Headquartered in the David Attenborough Building (DAB) in Cambridge, UK, the IBAT alliance is supported by a network of conservation and scientific expertise. This collaboration ensures IBAT provides the gold standard in biodiversity data, helping organizations navigate sustainability challenges with confidence.
Northern Long-eared Owl
Least Concern
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Key milestones
Explore the significant milestones that have shaped IBAT's journey. Each step reflects our commitment to biodiversity and conservation.
1964
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Founded
The world’s most comprehensive source on the global extinction risk of species, forming the foundation of biodiversity risk assessments.
1981
World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) Founded
The only comprehensive global database providing authoritative information on protected areas, essential for conserving the world’s living resources.
2008
IBAT Founded
Established as a trusted decision-support tool, providing businesses, governments, and conservationists with critical biodiversity data.
2016
Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas Published
A critical resource in identifying sites contributing significantly to the global persistence of biodiversity.
2019
Launched STAR (Species Threat Abatement and Restoration Metric)
The IUCN launches a science-based tool enabling companies and policymakers to assess their potential contributions to reducing species extinction risk.
2023
IBAT Invested $1.2 million back into data
Demonstrating IBAT’s success in enhancing biodiversity data quality and accessibility while fulfilling its original aim as a sustainable cost-recovery mechanism.
2024
IBAT Launched Disclosure Preparation Report (DPR)
Helping businesses align with evolving biodiversity dislcosure landscape, supporting CSRD, GRI and TNFD.
2025
IBAT Alliance celebrates record investment of $2.5 million in nature data
Unprecedented doubling in growth drives largest ever investment by IBAT into world-leading global biodiversity data.
Today
600,000 Sites uploaded across our 30,000 users
IBAT has extensive global adoption, supporting decision-making across industry, conservation, and finance.
Meet our team
Meet the dedicated individuals behind IBAT's mission.
Dr Stuart Butchart
Chief Scientist
BirdLife International
Kelly Malsch
Head of Nature Conserved
UNEP-WCMC
Martin Sneary
Head of Enterprise and Investment
IUCN
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Naomi Kingston
Vice President, European Partnerships and Strategy
Conservation International
Nitika Agarwal
IBAT Managing Director
UNEP-WCMC
Warwick Mostert
Biodiversity and Business Lead
IUCN
Ed Ellis
Senior Advisor
UNEP-WCMC
Nikolai Berkoff
Lead Software Architect
IUCN
Gareth Norman
Business and Finance Manager
BirdLife International
Joanna Karlic
Partnerships Lead
UNEP-WCMC
Rebecca Bieniaszewska
Engagement Lead
UNEP-WCMC
Masum Hussain
Finance Analyst
BirdLife International
Megan Sim
Programme Officer
BirdLife International
Vanessa Ramos
Marketing and Communications Officer
UNEP-WCMC
Mark Leckie
Programme Officer
BirdLife International
Gonzalo Gomez
Programme Officer
BirdLife International
Jake Tatum
Outreach Officer
UNEP-WCMC
Maria Carruthers
Finance and Administration Assistant
BirdLife International
Paul Woodhouse
Finance and Administration Assistant
BirdLife International
Thomas Bear
Fullstack Developer
IUCN
Trevor Vallender
Fullstack Developer
IUCN
Supreeth Setty
Fullstack Developer
IUCN
Víctor Avello
Fullstack Developer
UNEP-WCMC
Interested in joining our team?
We currently have no vacancies but please check back regularly to view new opportunities.
Testimonials
Hear what our partners have to say...
"IBAT provides essential screening on threatened species and endangered habitats that helps us assess risks, focus accompanying investigations, and prioritise restoration activities at our operating sites globally."
"IBAT provides up-to-date information on protected area designations and threats to habitat and biodiversity. These data inform the BeZero Carbon Rating, an assessment of the likelihood that a carbon credit delivers on its promise to achieve a tonne of CO2e avoided or removed."
"IBAT has been an essential tool to help Evonik understand our biodiversity risks and opportunities on-site."
"The outcomes have served several purposes from the CSRD disclosure to the launch of specific biodiversity conservation projects. IBAT is a powerful tool which has definitely help LVMH and its Maisons making the biodiversity Group’s strategy more reliable and science based.”
"IBAT provides an excellent pre-screening desktop resource to be used in these assessments focusing on species, habitats and legally protected and or internationally recognised areas of biodiversity importance."
"IBAT also allows me to integrate my analysis with other GIS tools, which increases the depth of my scrutiny. We are looking forward to utilising the new STAR functionality!"
Learn how IBAT can transform your relationship with data and support your nature-positive goals
