Cartography of habitats in Catalonia: a useful tool for making decisions in nature conservation
About this good practice
Habitats projects in Catalonia (information available online):
- List of Catalan Habitats. Obtained from an adaptation of the CORINE Biotopes Manual. A correspondence with the EUNIS classification has settled down.
- Manual of Catalan Habitats. The need to clearly establish the content and specify the boundaries for each habitat led to the creation of a manual.
- Legend and the Interpretation Manual for the cartography
- Cartography of Catalan Habitats (1:50,000)
- Cartography of habitats in protected areas (1:10,000)
The main applications are:
1. Management (public administrations, private companies...):
- Delimitation of protected areas
- Monitoring the state of conservation of natural heritage
- Planning and management of activities in the natural environment
- Provide environmental information to citizens
2. Education and divulgation:
- Teaching at the university and the schools
- Approaching the natural environment to citizens and create new opportunities for sustainable socio-economic activities
3. Research:
- Knowledge of the biodiversity
- Testing new methodologies
- Basic information for the study of habitats dynamics ove
Expert opinion
The greatest efforts for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity need to focus on measures in the wild. This is therefore the primary focus of EU policy: through the Birds and Habitats Directives, the Regulation on Invasive Alien Species and wildlife trade regulations. Europe’s nature is in alarming decline, with more than 80% of habitats in poor condition. The Nature Restoration Law, a first comprehensive law of its kind, and a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems. This good practice is an example of a useful tool that helps nature conservation decision-making process. The tool demonstrated positive results and has been widely used by public administration and other stakeholders in Catalonia. It can provide inspiration and helpful insight to other public authorities aiming to introduce or improve cartography of the habitats which is essential for proper management of the natural environment.
Resources needed
- Cartography of habitats (1: 50,000): about 400,000 € in 5 years. About 35 people involved.
- Manual of Catalan Habitats (8 volumes): about 34,000 € and 15 people involved
Evidence of success
Potential for learning or transfer
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
University of Barcelona
