Biosphere functional integrity for people and Planet

Defining a safe and just space for the biosphere requires global-scale synthetic measures of functional integrity in relation to Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP). We estimated, based on a systematic review of the literature, the minimum level of functional integrity needed to secure multiple critical ecosystem services, including pollination, pest and disease control, water quality regulation, soil protection and recreation, in human-modified landscapes. We found that at least 20-25% of relatively diverse semi-natural habitat in each km2 of land area is needed to maintain a minimum level of multiple NCP. Exact area, quality and configuration required is dependent on local context, and may differ based on landscape types and for individual NCP. Today, more than 60% of human-modified lands have less than 20% semi-natural habitat per km2 and thus require immediate attention to regenerate functional integrity. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.