Assessing Data Availability for Water-Related Ecosystem Services Accounts in the UK

Water-related data are crucial for understanding the role of water ecosystems in sustaining both societal and economic functions, as well as for informing effective policy decisions. However, despite their critical importance, the accessibility and integration of such data often present considerable challenges. This paper examines the availability of biophysical data essential for the development of comprehensive Water-related Ecosystem Services (WES) accounts for the United Kingdom (UK), in alignment with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting – Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA EA) framework. The study critically evaluates key data sources, identifies challenges associated with spatial and temporal coverage, and investigates potential solutions for addressing data gaps. By providing this analysis, the paper seeks to contribute to the advancement of a more standardized and systematic approach to water-related ecosystem accounting, thereby supporting more robust, evidence-based policymaking in water resource management.