doc__table__109

Box 22 Step-by-step approach to sensitivity mapping 1) Identify the types of developments (projects, activities, infrastructure, etc.) to be included and the species and habitats likely to be affected. To do so consider: — species/habitats likely to coincide with development (at any stage of their lifecycle) and consider all life history phases (breeding, migration, etc.) — different phases of development (e.g. construction, operational phases) as well as associated infrastructure — which species/habitats are sensitive to development — which species/habitats are of conservation concern (e.g. those listed within the Birds and Habitats Directives) — how species can be affected: e.g. habitat loss and degradation, collision with infrastructure, avoidance, displacement and barrier effects. 2) Compile distributional datasets on sensitive species, habitats and other relevant factors. — Review what data are already available and decide whether additional data should be collected — If the datasets are spatially incomplete, consider using modelling based on habitat and landscape predictors to forecast distribution in under-sampled localities — It is also important to highlight data deficiencies and other methodological shortcomings. 3) Develop a sensitivity scoring system — Assign sensitivity scores to species and habitats based on relevant characteristics (habitat fragility, conservation status, species behaviour, etc.) 4) Generate the map — Identify what is the most appropriate mapping format, GIS software, mapping unit, etc. — Generate a grid based on an appropriate mapping unit and overlay the species distributions (or models) and potentially other useful datasets, including relevant buffer zones — Identify the species present within each grid cell — For each grid square, calculate a score using the species sensitivity scoring systems. 5) Interpret the map — Group sensitivity scores in categories indicative of their level of sensitivity (e.g. very high, high, medium, low) or that indicate a particular prescription (e.g. no-go vs low risk areas) — Develop guidance material that explains what data are used, how the map is generated, how it should be interpreted and what caveats exist regarding the interpretation.

← sec_4_3__para__7 · All articles · sec_4_3__para__8 →

Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-25 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.