This glossary includes most relevant terms used in this handbook. First version of the glossary was created during the development of the ‘Wildlife and Traffic’ handbook (Action COST 341) and it has been expanded with contributions from partners of the project Horizon 2020 ‘BISON’. Terms definitions are provided by legal texts, reference documents or by agreement between experts from both ecology and infrastructure. The organisations IENE, PIARC, UIC, and ISO have also assisted and will contribute in future updates.
Last update: October 2023 – How to cite
There are currently 5 names in this directory beginning with the letter N.
Natura 2000 network
Network of sites esignated by Member States considered to have Community importance under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC or classified as special protection areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive 79/409/EEC. Together, the SPAs make up the European network of protected sites, Natura 2000. See also 'Emerald network'.
Net Gain (NG)
The point at which project-related impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are outweighed by measures taken according to the mitigation hierarchy, so that a net gain results. May also be referred to as net positive impact. See 'Biodiversity' and 'Ecosystem Services'.
No Net Loss (NNL)
A goal for a development project, policy, plan or activity in which the impacts on biodiversity it causes are balanced or outweighed by measures taken to avoid and minimise the impacts, to restore affected areas and finally to offset the residual impacts, so that no loss remains. NNL must be defined relative to an appropriate reference scenario. See also 'Net Gain'.