FFH compatibility study at GEOFReE
Compatibility assessment with the Fauna, Flora and Habitats (FFH) Directive
Example: Grid connection of the demonstration field GEOFReE
The NATURA 2000 system and in its core the Fauna, Flora and Habitats Directive aims to ban destructions of highly valuable habitats and species. Present day condition of these areas must not be worsened but it should be improved according to its protection aims. Adverse effects due to a changed or intensified usage are not permitted. New plans or measures in the protected area or in the surrounding of this area have to be formally evaluated before realization. A check of the possible effects on NATURA 2000 areas in the neighbourhood is always required, when actions could result in negative impacts on the area, its habitats, species or protection objectives.
The NATURA 2000 assessment examines possible function relations between the planned cable route and the protected areas which are crossed in order to forecast possible disturbances by building or by operating the grid connection. Interactions are conceivable in different ways between the grid connection and crossed NATURA 2000 areas. Changes in the water body for example could spread and lead to impairments in bordering regions. Therefore it has to be checked to see, whether there is a risk to shift currents and disturb ecological functions in protected areas. Other examples are bird habitats, that are larger than the habitats of other animals. It has to be checked, if birdspecies of protected areas are disturbed by the building of the gid connection. An overall estimate of the potential vulnerability has to be carried out.
Cable route and NATURA 2000 areas 1: FFH "Sagas-Bank"; 2: SPA "Ostsee östlich Wagrien"; 3: FFH "Rosenfelder Brök nördlich Dahme"