Flora assessment
Our flora assessment services offer a comprehensive evaluation of vegetation within proposed development areas, ensuring compliance with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Standards and High Conservation Value (HCV) principles. These assessments are essential to promoting sustainable development while protecting critical habitats and biodiversity.
We provide the following key services:
Vegetation Classification and Critical Habitat Identification
We identify and classify broad vegetation types within the project area, with a strong focus on recognizing critical habitats. Our approach is based on desktop research combined with field surveys, accounting for factors such as climate, geology, soils, and land management practices that influence vegetation diversity.
Rare and Endangered Species Surveys
We assess the potential presence of important plant species, including rare and Red Data species. Our team carefully documents any species of concern to ensure they are considered in the project planning process, thereby supporting conservation efforts.
Plant Relocation and Preservation
In cases where national legislation requires the removal of significant plant species from the development area, we investigate the availability of suitable relocation sites, such as nurseries. We provide expert advice and management plans to ensure the successful relocation of valuable flora.
Impact Assessment and Mitigation
We evaluate the potential impacts of proposed infrastructure, such as transmission lines, on natural vegetation. Our team develops tailored mitigation strategies to minimize ecological damage and preserve the natural landscape.
Detailed Vegetation Studies and Species Lists
Our assessments include comprehensive desktop studies that provide a general introduction, methodological approaches, and species lists compiled from available literature. We identify and document rare, endangered, exotic, invasive, and medicinal species found in the area.
Mapping and Analysis
Using available vegetation maps, aerial photographs, and satellite images, we identify and analyze distinct plant communities. This helps in mapping homogenous and heterogeneous areas that may represent different plant species or communities, which we then incorporate into a detailed vegetation map to guide project decision-making.
By leveraging our extensive experience and understanding of the region’s flora, we ensure that our flora assessments contribute to sustainable development practices, balancing ecological preservation with project requirements.
Methodology
Our floristic surveys are typically conducted during the wet season to adhere to internationally accepted best practices for vegetation studies and to accurately determine the species composition within the area of interest. This approach ensures that the survey captures the full diversity of plant life. We also focus on forest edges and ecotone areas, which provide valuable insights into the plant communities present in the region. The findings are then contextualized within the broader ecosystem, highlighting distinct plant communities if they exist.
Our services include a comprehensive analysis of:
Protected, Endemic, Exotic, Alien Invasive, and Culturally Significant Species
We evaluate the presence of these species separately and in accordance with relevant legal frameworks, ensuring compliance with national and international regulations.
Vegetation Sampling and Classification
We use a specific sampling method designed for vegetation surveys. Should certain dominant vegetation types require alternative approaches, we provide justification and adapt accordingly. This allows us to gather the following critical data:
- Classification of plant communities and sub-communities, including any variations within the area.
- Species lists for each plant community, highlighting diagnostic and dominant species.
- Identification of invasive species, if present, within each plant community.
- Identification of exotic species, if present, within each plant community.
- Detailed listing of protected, Red Data, and endemic species for each plant community.
- Documentation of culturally significant plant species within each community.
Site-Specific Stratification and Sampling
Before fieldwork begins, we finalize the quantity and location of sampling sites based on a thorough stratification process. This method considers various physical features such as soil type, terrain, landform, and aspect. These factors create diverse habitats that influence the differentiation of vegetation into homogenous units.
Standard Plot Sizes for Biomes
In line with best practices for the savannah biome, our sample plots are 20m x 20m in size. The number of sampling plots is determined by the size of the identified homogenous units, with larger units requiring proportionally more sampling points.
By implementing this rigorous methodology, we ensure that our floristic surveys provide a clear, detailed understanding of vegetation composition and structure, supporting informed decision-making for environmentally sustainable development.