Why is it important? 

Site selection is one of the most important decisions at the early stage of a development project. It can have a major impact on how complex and time-consuming the subsequent permitting and approval processes become. A rapid biodiversity assessment provides an early overview of potential nature conservation constraints and biodiversity risks. 

An early assessment helps to: 

  1. identify significant risks before substantial time and resources are committed; 
  2. guide development decisions from the outset; 
  3. avoid discovering significant nature conservation constraints or the need for extensive additional surveys only at a later stage of the permitting process. 

Anni Kurisman

Our Experience 

We provide rapid and reliable expert assessments combining up-to-date spatial data, GIS-based analysis and extensive experience in environmental assessment and spatial planning. 

Hendrikson DGE has used rapid assessments to support site selection for a wide range of developments, including wind farms, industrial sites and infrastructure projects. 

Our aim is to provide developers and competent authorities with clear and practical overview of key biodiversity risks and opportunities, helping them make informed site selection decisions and plan the next steps. 

Our Services 

Rapid biodiversity assessments for site selection at an early stage of development: 

  • Mapping key biodiversity features and potential constraints

We identify important biodiversity features and nature conservation constraints within or around the proposed site that may affect the development. Our assessment considers, among other things: 

  1. protected areas and Natura 2000 sites; 
  2. green networks; 
  3. habitats of protected species; 
  4. other important biodiversity features. 
  • Summary of key risks and opportunities

We provide a clear and structured overview of the site’s main constraints, risks and opportunities, together with recommendations on whether and under what conditions it is reasonable to proceed with the development. We also identify key issues that may require further assessment or additional surveys at later stages. 

  • Clear spatial outputs and interactive maps

We present the results through clear maps and, where useful, interactive GIS-based mapping tools, making it easy to see where key biodiversity features and risks are located and to compare alternative sites or development options. 

Contact Us 

If you are considering a site for a development project and want to understand potential biodiversity risks and constraints at an early stage, a rapid biodiversity assessment can help you make informed and cost-effective decisions. 

Email us: dge@dge.ee