This approach can be applied to any sector or system, and at any scale from local to global. Only by establishing the linkages between different types of indicators can we provide decision-makers with the tools they need to tackle biodiversity loss effectively. Within the Cambridge Conservation Initiative, work is ongoing to show  the feasibility and usefulness of this approach. We are developing sets of joined-up indicators, the linkages between them, and the storylines behind those linkages. We focus on global indicators that can be broken down as needed to the smaller scales (regional, national and local) where policy is mainly determined. Where data are limited, we are using regional or national examples, or proxy indicators, to illustrate the overall approach. Indicators need to be effective.  As biodiversity targets are set  for the post-2010 era, and  indicators developed for  these targets, we strongly  recommend adoption of the  Response-Pressure-State-Benefit approach demonstrated here.  Similarly, as countries strengthen their efforts to address biodiversity loss, national indicators would benefit enormously from being framed as linked sets.