This publication presents a critical update to the EcoVeg approach, aligning NatureServe’s International Vegetation Classification (IVC) with the IUCN Global Ecosystem Typology (GET). By integrating shared concepts of global “realms” (terrestrial, freshwater, marine, and subterranean) and widely accepted “biome” classifications, the publication establishes a unified, scientifically grounded framework for describing ecosystems at all scales. This alignment enhances the ability to compare and connect ecosystem data globally, while still supporting the detailed, fine-scale classifications that are essential for on-the-ground conservation work.
Importantly, the publication expands the scope of the IVC beyond the terrestrial realm, allowing it to incorporate marine, freshwater, and subterranean systems—something previously beyond its reach. This comprehensive framework strengthens the capacity of the NatureServe Network and its partners to assess ecosystem threats, identify conservation priorities, support habitat management, and contribute to both national and global biodiversity assessments. By bridging detailed regional classifications with a global context, this publication is a vital tool for advancing ecosystem conservation across scales and borders.