Land use and biodiversity indicators for life cycle impact assessment |
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Authors: | Rita C Schenck |
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Institution: | (1) Institute for Environmental Research and Education, 19001 Vashon Hwy SW, Suite 203, 98070 Vashon, WA, USA |
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Abstract: | Background The primary purpose of environmental assessment is to protect biological systems. Data collected over the last several decades
indicates that the greatest impacts on biological resources derive from physical changes in land use. However, to date there
is no consensus on indicators of land use that could be applicable worldwide at all scales. This has hampered the assessment
of land use in the context of LCA.
Objectives The Institute for Environmental Research and Education and its partner Defenders of Wildlife have begun an effort to develop
the necessary consensus.
Methods In July 2000, they held a workshop attended by a diverse group of interested parties and experts to develop a preliminary
list of life cycle indicators for land use impacts.
Results Their preliminary list of impact indicators includes: protection of priority habitats/species; soil characteristics: soil
health; proximity to & protection of high priority vegetative communities; interface between water and terrestrial habitats/buffer
zones; assimilative capacity of water and land; hydrological function; percent coverage of invasive species within protected
areas; road density; percent native-dominated vegetation; restoration of native vegetation; adoption of Best Management Practices
linked to biodiversity objectives; distribution (patchiness; evenness, etc.); and connectivity of native habitat.
Conclusion The list of indicators conforms well to other efforts in developing indicators. There appears to be convergence among experts
in the field and in related fields on the appropriate things to measure.
Future Prospects These indicators are currently being tested in the United States. Further workshops and testing is planned towards developing
internationally recognized indicators for land use. |
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Keywords: | Biodiversity InLCA ISO 14042 Land Use Land Use Indicators Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) LCA LCIA Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) |
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