DOI: 10.25919/gs5t-vn34
title: Ecological Knowledge System: State and Transition Models

description: Collection: This collection contains models and datasets describing the State and Transition Models (STMs) developed as part of the Ecological Knowledge System (EKS). The EKS is a partnership between CSIRO and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to establish a transparent and authoritative source of information, biodiversity assessment and forecast capability for the Nature Repair Market (the market). STMs are used in the EKS to synthesise knowledge about the dynamics, management, and restoration of ecosystems. 

This collection comprises two types of information: (1) comprehensive summary reports for state and transition models (STM) developed by the Ecological Knowledge System, and (2) STM data in JSON and Excel format detailing the states, transitions, and disturbances across all models. The data is the same between the two formats, but they have different purposes. The JSON-formatted data is used to transfer information to the PLANR tool (https://planr.gov.au/). The Excel file contains the same data in an easy-to-read format. Supporting documentation includes a Data Dictionary which defines the different components of this collection and its characteristics. 

This data collection is based on research created under the Project An Ecological Knowledge System for the Nature Repair Market scheme, which was funded by DCCEEW. The Commonwealth owns the intellectual property rights in any material developed while carrying out the Project. Copyright is retained by CSIRO (2025).
This collection will be periodically updated with new models as they are completed. 
To cite individual models within this collection, please use the citation specified in the applicable model summary reports.

Background: STMs are conceptual tools that describe the state of a particular ecosystem (which may vary from reference to removed in terms of ecosystem integrity) and the drivers that cause transitions between states. STMs enable distinction among states that are similar in condition (in terms of departure from reference condition) but differ in ecosystem characteristics (such as species composition, structure, and function). STMs also estimate the expected outcomes of different management interventions over specific timeframes. 

They are constructed using the following key components:
• Reference states: The dynamic state of an ecosystem that has the highest ecosystem integrity (e.g. ecosystem condition score of 1.0). 
• Modified states: An ecosystem state that is not in reference condition due to disturbances external to the ecosystem (i.e. exogenous disturbances) such as land clearing or grazing. A modified ecosystem state is assigned an ecosystem condition score representing its integrity relative to the reference state. 
• Transitions: The pathway through which an ecosystem may pass from one state to another. Transitions can be triggered by disturbances or management interventions external to the ecosystem.

Specific STMs may be directly referenced or included in part, or in whole, in a market method. STMs can be used to identify ecosystem state and condition, and the actions that are required to improve biodiversity by restoring ecosystem structure, function, and composition. They also provide numerical condition scores and can be used to predict the likely condition and ecosystem state of an activity area after restoration activities have been completed over specific timeframes. STMs may also be used indirectly by project proponents as a source of evidence to inform project planning, for example, to understand the drivers of transitions between different ecosystem states. STM information may also have other uses outside the Nature Repair Market.