management plans for areas established under the EU-Habitats-Directive were not
available in any of the areas HABIT-CHANGE investigated, although the directive
came into effect over twenty years ago.
10.6.3 Working Step: Data Collection and Inventory
of Available Data
An inventory of available data and maps for the adaptation process should be
compiled very early in the adaptation process to enable the identification of gaps
in the data and missing information. Up-to-date data about species, habitat distribution and conservation status, soil, water and land uses, as well as data about
observed impacts of climate change are considered essential for the process of
adaptation. The questions “How much data do we need to support decisions?” and
“How can we provide relevant information?” must be discussed in detail before
starting extensive data collection. Otherwise the process may be overloaded with
data irrelevant to the planning effort.
Existing data must be evaluated with regard to how complete and up-to-date it
is. For the introduction of Adaptive Management, monitoring data and information
about applicable indicators are of particular relevance. Special attention should be
paid to information on observed changes in biodiversity, species composition and
habitat quality in comparison with historical data.
Information about past and current conflicts with stakeholders, existing pressures on protected habitats and species, as well as evaluation data regarding
management effectiveness are also other important sources for the adaptation
process.
10.6.4 Working Step: Assessment of Climate Change
and Its Impacts on Biodiversity
Hardly any protected area is sufficiently equipped for carrying out assessments of
climate change and its impact. Cooperation with research institutions or other
scientific support is essential for obtaining relevant information. Before models
are used, protected area managers have to decide what kind of results they need for
management decisions (see Chap. 5). For example, data on annual, seasonal or
monthly temperature changes may be less relevant than data about precipitation
changes, late frosts or heavy rain. It has to be ensured that the results really fit the
needs and situation of the protected area and that they help to identify possible
response options such as management and mitigation measures. The time frame and
reference period for models should be selected with regard to regional or national
scenarios and with regard to adaptation planning results of use to important
10 A Methodical Framework for Climate Change-Adapted Management. . .
167
available in any of the areas HABIT-CHANGE investigated, although the directive
came into effect over twenty years ago.
10.6.3 Working Step: Data Collection and Inventory
of Available Data
An inventory of available data and maps for the adaptation process should be
compiled very early in the adaptation process to enable the identification of gaps
in the data and missing information. Up-to-date data about species, habitat distribution and conservation status, soil, water and land uses, as well as data about
observed impacts of climate change are considered essential for the process of
adaptation. The questions “How much data do we need to support decisions?” and
“How can we provide relevant information?” must be discussed in detail before
starting extensive data collection. Otherwise the process may be overloaded with
data irrelevant to the planning effort.
Existing data must be evaluated with regard to how complete and up-to-date it
is. For the introduction of Adaptive Management, monitoring data and information
about applicable indicators are of particular relevance. Special attention should be
paid to information on observed changes in biodiversity, species composition and
habitat quality in comparison with historical data.
Information about past and current conflicts with stakeholders, existing pressures on protected habitats and species, as well as evaluation data regarding
management effectiveness are also other important sources for the adaptation
process.
10.6.4 Working Step: Assessment of Climate Change
and Its Impacts on Biodiversity
Hardly any protected area is sufficiently equipped for carrying out assessments of
climate change and its impact. Cooperation with research institutions or other
scientific support is essential for obtaining relevant information. Before models
are used, protected area managers have to decide what kind of results they need for
management decisions (see Chap. 5). For example, data on annual, seasonal or
monthly temperature changes may be less relevant than data about precipitation
changes, late frosts or heavy rain. It has to be ensured that the results really fit the
needs and situation of the protected area and that they help to identify possible
response options such as management and mitigation measures. The time frame and
reference period for models should be selected with regard to regional or national
scenarios and with regard to adaptation planning results of use to important
10 A Methodical Framework for Climate Change-Adapted Management. . .
167