Critical habitat definition| Biodiversity A-Z (original) (raw)

European Investment Bank 3

An area that supports any of the following features, and is needed to sustain them in a viable state: Highly threatened or unique ecosystem; Population of critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable species, as defined by the IUCN Red List of threatened species and in relevant national legislation; Population, range or distribution of endemic or restricted-range species, or highly distinctive assemblages of species; Habitat required for the survival of migratory species and/or congregatory species; Biodiversity and/or ecosystem with significant social, economic, or cultural importance to local communities and indigenous groups; Habitat of key scientific value and/or associated with key evolutionary processes.

European Bank of Reconstruction and Development 4

The most sensitive biodiversity features, which comprise one of the following: (i) highly threatened or unique ecosystems; (ii) habitats of significant importance to endangered or critically endangered species; (iii) habitats of significant importance to endemic or geographically restricted species; (iv) habitats supporting globally significant migratory or congregatory species; (v) areas associated with key evolutionary processes; or (vi) ecological functions that are vital to maintaining the viability of biodiversity features.

Inter-American Development Bank 5

Critical natural habitats are: (i) existing protected areas, areas officially proposed by governments for protection, or sites that maintain conditions that are vital for the viability of the aforementioned areas; and (ii) unprotected areas of known high conservation value.

Asian Development Bank 6

Critical habitat includes: areas with high biodiversity value, including habitat required for the survival of critically endangered or endangered species; areas having special significance for endemic or restricted-range species; sites that are critical for the survival of migratory species; areas supporting globally significant concentrations or numbers of individuals of congregatory species; areas with unique assemblages of species or that are associated with key evolutionary processes or provide key ecosystem services; and areas having biodiversity of significant social, economic, or cultural importance to local communities.

African Development Bank 7

Habitats that have high biodiversity value including: (i) habitats of significant importance to critically endangered and/or endangered species; (ii) habitats of significant importance to endemic and/or restricted-range species; (iii) habitats of significant importance to globally significant concentrations of migratory species and/or congregatory species; (iv) regionally significant and/or highly threatened or unique ecosystems; (v) areas that are associated with key evolutionary processes; and (vi) areas that are important to species that are vital to ecosystems, such as keystone species.