Virtual Tutorial

Annex 16 of the EIAO-TM lists out the definition of "Recognized Sites of Conservation Importance", "Important Habitats Where an Ecological Assessment will be Necessary", and "Species of Conservation Importance".

There is also an EIAO Guidance Note No.7/2002 issued by EPD about the ecological baseline survey for ecological assessment.

Considerations of collecting ecological baseline information are:

• Study Area - normally 500m from the site boundary or the area likely to be impacted by the project;
• Review existing information;
• Identify information gaps;
• Areas of ecological interest identified in the review may subject to more detail survey; and
• Duration of ecological baseline surveys ranging from 4-month to 12-month depends on habitat sensitivity and species diversity.

To obtain good results, ecological baseline survey should be carried out at the time of the year when target group is more active, conspicuous or easy to be identified.