HabitatType

-- Name -- habitat type

Habitat type according to an international, national or local habitat classifications scheme. -- Description -- Different habitat classification schemes exist throughout Europe. In many cases a local or national classification schema will be in daily use, however, references to international (European) classification schemas will already frequently be introduced (e.g. Habitat types of community interest, Habitat Directive). It is mandatory to encode the habitat type according to a (pan-European) referenceHabitatTypeScheme listed in the referenceHabitatSchemeValue code list. This encoding is intended to allow for queries on habitat types on a pan-European harmonized level. It is strongly recommended to refer to the EUNIS habitat classification code list values in the first place. The habitat types listed in Annex I of the Habitats Directive or the habitat types of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, e.g. due to the reporting obligations of the member states and therefore preferable, might be added as well in case it meets the definition. Translations exist between these habitat classification schemes and the EUNIS habitat classification. The referenceHabitatSchemeValue code list may be extended over time, covering more pan-European habitat classification schemes which allow for this harmonization purpose. However, the purpose of harmonization by nature restricts this list to a reasonable number. Furthermore, it is possible (voidable) to encode the habitat type with a localHabitatName derived from a national, regional or local classification schema. This will (by nature) be the most frequent case. Any local classification schemes should (recommendation) be registered on national level (INSPIRE national focus point).