REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection (MENP)
Croatia EU Natura 2000 Integration Project (NIP)
IBRD Loan No. 8021-HR
Terms of Reference (ToR) for
Terrestrial Habitat Mapping of the Republic of Croatia
1. Background and project area
1.1. Background
The Republic of Croatia received a loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD) for implementing the EU Natura 2000 Integration Project (NIP). The
loan is implemented by the Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection of the Republic
of Croatia over the period of five years which started in June 2011.
The NIP’s development objectives are the following: (i) support National Parks, Nature Parks
and County Public Institutions for management of protected natural values to implement
European ecological network Natura 2000 objectives in their investment programmes; (ii)
strengthen capacity for biodiversity monitoring and EU-compliant reporting; and (iii)
introduce programmes that involve a wide group of stakeholders in Natura 2000 network
management.
One of the Republic of Croatia’s obligations that had to be achieved during the accession to
the European Union is the preparation of an ecological network of the European Union’s
protected natural areas - Natura 2000 network. This EU network is designed in order to
protect more than a thousand of rare, threatened and endemic wild animal and plant taxa as
well as approximately 230 natural and semi-natural habitats listed in the annexes of two EU
directives: the Birds Directive and the Habitats Directive, which represent the basis for the
EU’s nature protection policy. Like other EU countries, Croatia also had to propose areas for
inclusion in the Natura 2000 network for more than 220 taxa and 70 habitat types present in
Croatia. This network of areas includes all types of land, both private and state-owned, with
different level of legal protection, which calls for new approaches to public and private
cooperation for the purpose of conservation of biological values. In order to ensure quality,
timely and organised monitoring of the status of the mentioned habitat types, NIP project,
through its activities within the second development objective (strengthen capacity for
biodiversity monitoring and EU-compliant reporting), envisages the preparation of a
terrestrial habitats map for land territory of the Republic of Croatia. Additionally, that map
will also serve as the basis for quality planning of Natura 2000 areas management, for
ecological network impact assessments and other activities arising from the provisions of the
Nature Protection Act.
1.2. National classification development and preparation of the first habitats map of the
Republic of Croatia
The National Habitat Classification (NHC) for the Republic of Croatia was initially developed
within the project “Habitat Mapping” of Republic of Croatia (2000-2004). More precisely,
during the project, whose aim was to create first habitats map for the entire territory of the
Republic of Croatia (land and sea), it was noticed that Croatia has no integrated knowledge of
habitat types in the form of a national classification, while the appropriate European habitat
classifications such as PHYSIS and EUNIS do not describe all Croatia’s habitat specificities
and are therefore partly inapplicable. For that reason, in 2003 a working group was
established with the purpose of developing a national habitats classification (NHC) of the
Republic of Croatia. The result of the group’s work is the NHC, which, for the first time,
integrates in one place the overall biological knowledge about Croatia’s habitats. A majority
of terrestrial habitats are presented and divided according to the type of vegetation structure
by applying the phytosociological classification of the Zurich-Montpellier school. The NHC
contains 10 main habitat classes and a single class that covers habitat complexes. Each of the
10 main classes has five detail levels, from the first level with least detail to the fifth level
with most detail, and these more or less overlap with the phytosociological hierarchy. The
foundation for creating the NHC was the Palaearctic habitat classification (PHYSIS) which
was for Croatia’s purposes supplemented and modified, and a re-coding system was
developed to convert NHC into PHYSIS and EUNIS habitat classifications and Natura 2000
habitat types. In addition to terrestrial habitats which are described according to their
vegetation communities, NHC also includes subterranean/cave habitats, inland surface waters
and marine habitats which are described according to their characteristic communities. Since
its creation until today, the NHC has been supplemented and extended twice with new habitat
types that were described during field works in recent years.
1.3. Existing habitat maps and GIS databases
The project “Habitat Mapping” of Republic of Croatia has in 2004 for the first time created a
habitats map for the entire territory of the Republic of Croatia in a scale of 1:100,000. This is
a digital, spatially oriented database in which different habitat types are depicted as polygon
surfaces. The minimum mapping unit was 9 hectares (ha), meaning that all habitat types
whose surface at the moment of mapping was at least 9 ha are shown as separate surfaces.
Other, smaller areas were joined with adjacent, larger polygons and are not shown as separate
surfaces. By way of derogation, particular rare and threatened Croatian habitat types, such as
for example bogs, which occupy extremely small surfaces, were mapped as point habitats.
Additionally, linear habitat types, such as watercourses, sea coast and rocks and screes were
mapped in the form of lines provided that their minimum length was at least 300 metres. The
result of habitats mapping was a GIS database that contains data on habitat types in the
Republic of Croatia and their spatial distribution in three features: polygon, linear and point.
Although it is of relatively large scale and thus of lower resolution, the Habitats Map of
Croatia provided for the first time an overview of all habitat types in Croatia and their spatial
distribution. However, the course of time has shown that the existing habitats map is too large
in scale for the purposes of nature protection planning and management, monitoring of the
status and changes in habitat types, especially of threatened habitat types, monitoring the
status of populations of individual species, etc. and that, in order to have quality
implementation of the listed activities, particularly of establishing monitoring of the
conservation status of habitats, it is required to produce a more precise map.
The mapping of terrestrial habitats in the Republic of Croatia as surfaces that cover the entire
state territory was performed according to the classification and interpretation of
LandsatETM+ satellite images. In that process, standard methods of digital image processing
and numerical classification were used, which resulted in generating areas or polygons with
respective numerical codes – all polygons that represent the same habitat type are marked
with the same code. For more accurate interpretation of the obtained results, other data
sources were used, such as aerial photos, vegetation maps, potential forest vegetation maps,
geological maps, lithological maps, various literature data, etc. After preparing a preliminary
map by using the remote sensing method, field data verification was initiated. Out of the total
number of polygons of each habitat type that were acquired by processing satellite images,
approximately 5% of all polygons were verified and visited on the field, which resulted in the
total of 5,233 described field points. After the field verification, each habitat type was
assigned an appropriate code according to the National Habitat Classification of the Republic
of Croatia, at the third detail level.
In addition to the habitats map covering the entire state territory, the project “Conservation
and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in the Dalmatian Coast through Greening Coastal
Development – COAST” resulted in more detailed mapping of habitats in 5 pilot areas
included in the project: islands of Pag, Mljet, Vis and other smaller islands as well as areas of
rivers Krka and Cetina. These maps were prepared in a scale of 1:25,000, with a minimum
mapping unit of 1 ha for non-forest and 2.25 ha for forest habitats. The minimum dimensions
of mapped polygons were 5x200 m for non-forest, and 25x90 m for forest habitats. If the
widths of non-forest and forest habitats were less than 5 and 25 metres respectively, those
polygons were joined with adjacent, larger polygons. By way of derogation, habitats with the
surface smaller than the prescribed were also mapped as separate polygons if a particular
habitat type was identified which is rare or threatened or which is clearly distinguishable from
its surrounding dominant habitat type. Each habitat type was then assigned a description
under the NHC, on the fourth detail level for non-forest habitat types and on the third detail
level for forest habitats. The mapping methodology was similar to that used for creating the
Habitats Map of Croatia or, more precisely, remote sensing research and intense field
sampling were combined.
Additionally, the project “Karst Ecosystems Conservation – KEC” created habitats maps or
land cover maps for the areas of NP Sjeverni Velebit, NP Plitvička jezera, NP Paklenica, NP
Risnjak and Nature Park (PP) Velebit.
Particular protected areas in the Republic of Croatia also have more detailed habitat maps for
their own area. Some parks like PP Lonjsko polje, PP Medvednica, PP ŽumberakSamoborsko gorje andPP Biokovo have mapped habitats in a scale of 1:25,000, with a
minimum mapping unit of 2.25 ha. In 2007, PP Učka completed its habitats map in a scale of
1:5,000 with a minimum mapping unit of 0.5 ha for non-forest and 1 ha for forest vegetation.
A detailed habitats map in a scale of 1:5,000 was also prepared for PP Vransko jezero in
2011.
2. Objectives
The main objective of this assignment is to create a recent spatial overview of natural and
semi-natural, non-forest terrestrial and inland freshwater habitats of the Republic of Croatia,
including assessment of representativity and degree of conservation for Annex I HD habitats,
in the form of a spatial database in a cartographic scale of 1:25,000, and proposal of the future
scientific, expert and technical maintenance and revision of habitats map.
3. Scope of Work
The Consultant is expected to, in agreement with SINP, during the inception phase of
the Contract and not later than within three (3) months from the Contract Effective
Date, elaborate in detail the methodology and the implementation schedule for all
assignment phases according to the guidelines provided in the following sections.
3.1. Field work manual with identification guide for natural and semi-natural, nonforest terrestrial and inland freshwater habitats.
Before the start of field work, consultant is expected to prepare, in cooperation with SINP,
field work manual with identification guide for natural and semi-natural terrestrial non-forest
and inland freshwater habitat type. Purpose of this field work manual with identification guide
is to help identify specific habitat type in the field, as well as its representativity and degree of
conservation. Habitats must be described at the NHC level on which they will be recorded in
the field (see Section 3.2.1.). For each habitat type a list of typical species should be given, in
order to help field workers to identify specific habitat type and to assess representativity and
degree of conservation, which is particularly important for Natura 2000 habitat types.
Standardized methodology for field work, representativity and conservation status assessment,
as well as field data form for collecting field data should also be part of this manual in order
to minimise differences in field data collection and synchronise interpretation. Detailed
contents of this manual as well as field data form will be agreed during inception phase of the
Contract.
Activity outputs (3.1):
1. Field work manual with identification guide for natural and semi-natural, non-forest
terrestrial and inland freshwater habitats, including list of typical species,
methodology for assessing representativity and degree of conservationfor Natura
2000 habitat types
2. Standardized methodology and field data form for current field work
3.2. Creating a new map of natural and semi-natural, non-forest terrestrial and inland
freshwater habitats
3.2.1. Mapping area, thematic contents (NHC) and spatial resolution (scale and MMU)
The mapping area shall include the entire land territory of the Republic of Croatia, except
forests and significantly altered anthropogenic habitats like human settlements and intensive
agricultural land (marked with letters I.3. and J in NHC). It is important to emphasise that
mosaic areas of significantly altered anthropogenic habitats and natural and semi-natural
habitats should be mapped. Thematic contents of the habitats map shall relate to information
on the NHC class assigned to an individual mapped polygon. For the purposes of habitat
mapping in this assignment, and considering the map’s purpose, all habitat classes subject to
mapping shall be mapped on specific detail level of NHC, as follows:
o Inland freshwater habitats – all habitats marked with letter A in the NHC shall be
mapped on the 3rd level of NHC, except:
A.2.1.1.3. Petrifying springs – it shall be mapped on the 5th level of NHC
A.3.3.2. Alliance Ranunculion fluitantis – it shall be mapped on the 4th level of NHC
A.4.2.1.1. As. Cyperetum flavescentis – it shall be mapped on the 5th level of NHC
A.4.2.1.2. As. Plantagini-Crypsidetum schoenoidis – it shall be mapped on the 5th
level of NHC
A.4.2.1.3. As. Eleochardi-Lindernietum – it shall be mapped on the 5th level of NHC
A.4.2.1.4. Crypsis aculeata stands – it shall be mapped on the 5th level of NHC
A.4.2.2. Alliance Fimbristylion dichotomae – it shall be mapped on the 4th level of
NHC
o Inland unvegetated and sparsely vegetated habitats – all habitats marked with the letter
B in the NHC shall be mapped on the 3rd level of NHC
o Grassland habitats – all habitats marked with the letter C in the NHC shall be mapped
on the 4th level of NHC, except following habitats, which shall be mapped on the 5th
level of the NHC:
C.1.1.1.1. As. Orchidi-Schoenetum nigricantis
C.1.1.1.2. As. Eriophoro-Caricetum paniceae
C.1.1.1.3. As. Carici-Blysmetum compressi
C.1.1.1.4. As. Molinio caeruleae-Caricetum hostianae
C.1.1.1.5. As. Caricetum davallianae
C.1.2.1.1. As. Rhynchosporetum albae
C.1.2.1.2. As. Drosero-Caricetum stellulatae
C.1.2.1.3. As. Caricetum lasiocarpae
C.2.2.2.1. As. Molinietum caeruleae
C.2.2.2.3. As. Gentiano pneumonanthe-Molinietum litoralis
C.2.3.2.1. As. Arrhenatheretum elatioris
C.2.3.2.2. As. Ononido-Arrhenatheretum
C.2.3.2.3. As. Centaureo fritschii-Arrhenatheretum
C.2.3.2.4. As. Filipendulo vulgaris-Arrhenatheretum
C.2.3.2.7. Lowland haymeadows with Sanguisorba officinalis
C.2.5.1.1. As. Molinio-Lathyretum pannonici
C.2.5.1.2. As. Hordeo-Poëtum silvicolae
C.2.5.1.3. As. Oenantho-Alopecuretum bulbosi
C.2.5.1.4. As. Peucedano-Molinietum litoralis
C.2.5.1.5. As. Trifolio-Hordeetum secalini
C.2.5.1.6. As. Scillo litardierei-Deschampsietum mediae
C.3.4.1.1. As. Genisto sagittalis-Callunetum
o Scrub habitats – all habitats marked with the letter D in the NHC shall be mapped on
the 4th level of NHC, except following habitats, which shall be mapped on the 5th level
of the NHC:
D.1.1.1.1. As. Salici-Myricarietum
D.2.1.1.1. As. Lonicero borbasianae-Pinetum mugi
D.2.1.1.4. Stands with Arctostaphyllos uva-ursi
D.2.1.1.5. Stands with Genista radiata
D.2.1.1.6. Stands with Juniperus nana
D.3.4.2.3. Stands with Juniperus oxycedrus
o Coastal habitats – all habitats marked with the letter F in the NHC shall be mapped on
the 3rd level of NHC, except following habitats, which shall be mapped on the 4th
level of the NHC:
F.1.1.1. Order Thero-salicornietalia
F.1.1.2. Order Juncetalia maritimni
F.1.1.3. Order Sarcocornietalia fruticosae
o Cultivated non-forest areas and habitats with ruderal vegetation – marked with letter I
in the NHC shall be mapped on the 3rd level of NHC, except:
class I.3 which will not be mapped, and
I.1.5.4.5. As Glycyrrhizetum echinatae, which shall be mapped on the 5th level of
NHC
I.1.5.5. Alliance Petasition officinalis which shall be mapped on the 4th level of NHC
More detail level of mapping for above listed habitats is necessary for the monitoring of
Natura 2000 habitat types and future reporting according to Article 17 of the Habitats
Directive.
The map’s spatial resolution relates to the target output map scale and/or determining the
minimum mapping unit (MMU). The minimum mapping unit determines the surface of a
polygon of a particular habitat type subject to mapping and, considering the required output
map scale of 1:25,000 and the cartographic standards, the minimum mapping unit in this
assignmentis1,56 ha.
Some threatened habitat types of European interest and important for nature conservation may
have surface smaller than MMU of 1,56 ha. In that case, it is expected from the Consultant to
map these habitats as points. Having this in mind, following NHC habitats shall be mapped as
points where their surface does not exceed 1,56ha.:
A.2.1.1.3. Petrifying springs
A.3.5. Tufa-forming river plant communities
A.3.6. Tufa-forming vegetation on waterfalls
A.4.2.1.2. As. Plantagini-Crypsidetum schoenoidis
A.4.2.1.4. Crypsis aculeata stands
C.1.1.1.2. As. Eriophoro-Caricetum paniceae
C.1.1.1.3. As. Carici-Blysmetum compressi
C.1.1.1.4. As. Molinio caeruleae-Caricetum hostianae
C.1.2.1.1. As. Rhynchosporetum albae
C.1.2.1.2. As. Drosero-Caricetum stellulatae
C.1.2.1.3. As. Caricetum lasiocarpae
C.1.2.2.1. As. Polytricho-Sphagnetum medii
It is also expected from the Consultant to develop colour and symbol standards for surface
mapping during the creation of final map.
3.2.2. Selection of the mapping method and definition of sources
In view of the work scope, habitat mapping activities shall include process of delineation of
habitat polygons with MMU 1,56 ha using digital orthophoto imagery in combination with
topographic maps and field work (field verification of delineated polygons and habitat type
identification). Digital orthophoto images and topographic maps are publicly available from
State Geodetic Administration, free of charge.
As an additional help, SINP has, at the moment, three different multispectral satellite imagery
sets for the territory of Republic of Croatia which can be provided to the Consultant:

IRS-P6/Resourcesat-2, 23.5m not orthorectified/20m/25m orthorectified with SWIR,
VNIR multispectral bands;

Rapid Eye constellation 6.5m not orthorectified/5m/20m/25m orthorectified with
VNIR (including red-edge) multispectral bands;

SPOT-5, at 2.5m pan-sharpened and with VNIR multispectral bands.
Another important aspect of acquired satellite imagery is that for purposes of
habitat/vegetation mapping acquired not all seasons are covered by the imagery (see table
below). As it is clear from the table, for example Rapid Eye imagery are mostly taken in early
spring with some parts of Croatia even covered by snow while IRS-P6/Resourcesat imagery
are mostly taken in the late summer/early autumn period.
Year
Month
2011
Mar Apr May Jun Jul
IRS P6
RapidEye
2012
1
22
Spot 5
20
Aug Sep Oct Mar Apr Jun Jul
1
6
1
4
11
2
7
4
4
1
Aug
2
3
1
Therefore it is necessary to emphasize that satellite images can be used only as an aid when
delineating polygons, not as a basis for that process.
For the polygon delineation purpose, Client has at the moment only above mentioned
cartographic sources available which can be provided to the Consultant. If methodology for
polygon delineation chosen by the Consultant for creating habitat map requires additional
cartographic sources, Consultant must provide these sources by itself.
Additionally to the abovementioned cartographic sources, Consultant will be provided with
all existing habitat maps listed in section 1.3.
The methodology for creating the habitats map shall be explained in detail in the Consultant’s
proposal, in line with the thematic contents and spatial resolution listed in Section 3.2.1.
The methodology shall include at least the following elements:
o schedule/timetable of activities related to all activities of creating the habitats map;
o which digital sources will be used for creating the habitats map, including information
on the date of their creation and spatial resolution and the manner of their processing
and preparation;
o other thematic sources (if any) that will be used in the course of mapping and the
manner of their use;
o polygon delineation methods;
o minimum dimensions of polygons;
o methodology of habitat type identification in the field and assessment of
representativity and degree of conservation for all Natura 2000 habitat types
3.2.3. Field work
Field work shall be used to correct boundaries of polygons delineated from digital orthophoto
images, as well as to identify habitat type present in each delineated polygon. All habitat types
in the entire project area must be identified by using NHC codes and names, on the level
described in Section 3.2.1. During the project, each polygon must be visited at least once.
Furthermore, for those NHC habitat types which are classified as Natura 2000 habitat types,
additional field data should be collected regarding their representativity and degree of
conservation. For that purpose field work manual with identification guide for natural and
semi-natural, non-forest terrestrial and inland freshwater habitats will be used. During field
work presence of typical species for each habitat types should be recorded, as well as degree
of progressive vegetation succession.
It shall be required to geocode all visited polygons and field points with a GPS device, collect
all necessary photo-documentation depicting the habitat itself (including different stages and
structure if a site was visited several times in a different period of the year) and characteristic
species, assign it a class according to the NHC and fill out the prescribed field form. Finally,
the data collected in this way shall be entered into the CRO Habitats database or into a
structured electronic format aligned with the database structure.
3.2.4. Revision and updating of the National Habitat Classification
Since 2004 when it was first made, NHC has been updated twice. However, recent botanical
research, mainly for development of Natura 2000 network in Croatia, have shown that some
plant communities or higher phytotaxonomy groups present in Croatia are not listed in current
NHC. The same issue arose during habitat mapping in some protected areas as well.
Therefore, it is obvious that updating of NHC is on-going process. It is expected from the
Consultant to propose an update of current NHC with all new plant communities and/or
higher phytotaxonomy groups if such will be recorded during field work.
3.2.5. Data analysis and processing and map creation
In the final phase of the assignment, the Consultant is expected to provide in a detailed report
a complete view of all activities implemented within the assignment, with special emphasis on
the accuracy of the created habitats map with clearly designated “problem areas“. The
detailed contents of the report that has to be submitted by the end of the Contract shall be
identified in the inception phase of the assignment and it shall include at least the following
elements:
1. Used methods for delineating polygons, methods of field research and methods of
creating final maps;
2. Accuracy of the created habitats map with clearly designated “problem areas“;
3. Elaboration and harmonization of colour and symbol standards for surface mapping;
4. Literature and all digital and analogue data (reports, other point field data, GIS
sources, photos, etc.) used and gathered in the creation of the habitats map.
Activity outputs (3.2):
1. Map of natural and semi-natural, non-forest terrestrial and inland freshwater
habitats in the form of a spatial database with mapped habitat types in a scale
1:25,000 with MMU of 1.56 ha with revised and harmonized colour and symbol
standard for mapping of particular habitat types based
2. Proposal of update of current NHC with new plant communities and/or higher
phytotaxonomy groups if such will be recorded during field work
3. Document (report) that elaborates in detail the methodology used in implementing
the Contract, including at least:
3.1. Used methodology – analysis of process of polygon delineation and field research
with problems encountered;
3.2. Accuracy of the created habitats map;
3.3. Elaboration and harmonization of colour and symbol standards for surface
mapping;
4. Field visits with all field points entered in the NPIS (CRO Habitats database or
electronic format aligned with the database structure);
3.3. Preparing a plan for maintenance of the habitats map
Under the Nature Protection Act, the State Institute for Nature Protection (SINP) is competent
for inventorying habitat types in the Republic of Croatia, monitoring their status and updating
of the habitats map. Even though the Habitats Map of the Republic of Croatia was finalized in
2004, from its creation until today the map was supplemented or modified in a very small
extent although it was evident that significant changes occurred in a large part of habitats.
One of the objectives of this assignment is to develop a methodology that will propose
updating and revision of the new map of selected habitat classes.
Activity outputs (3.3):
1. Document which provides a system of personnel and technical support in the
revision of the habitats map and gives an estimate of time, personnel and financial
resources for future maintenance of the habitats map, including:
a) number of experts working on maintenance and their expertise;
b) required IT support (hardware and software);
c) plan of field and/or other types of research required for continuous
maintenance of the habitats map;
d) required financial resources elaborated on an annual level;
4. Reports and Schedule of Deliverables
The assignment time period is expected to be approximately two (2) years. The Consultant
hired for the assignment will report to MENP, SINP and the NIP Project Implementation Unit
(PIU). SINP will be the focal point of activities’ coordination and delivery/report preapprovals. Upon SINPʼs pre-approval payment is to be processed by the PIU. All related
activities outputs will be subject to thorough quality testing procedures.
The Consultant will, through the contact person in SINP, arrange and facilitate meetings at
least quarterly and present the status of the work and requirements for continuation of the
work. Upon request of MENP, SINP and/or PIU meetings could be organized on the ad hoc
basis.
Beside the above defined outputs in paragraph 3. of this ToR, following reports are foreseen
as obligatory:
1. Inception report which will elaborate in detail the methodology and the
implementation schedule for all assignment phases; to be delivered three (3) months
after the Contract Effective Date,
2. Short and concise quarterly reports on the status of the work and possible deviation
from the plan, obstacles, opportunities and proposed solutions; to be delivered a week
before the scheduled quarterly meeting,
3. Final report, a month before Contract closure.
These Reports described above will be prepared in Croatian and English in electronic copy
(the translation will be done by the Consultant) and after approval delivered as the final
version in printed and digital (email) form to MENP, SINP and PIU. All other outputs as
defined in paragraph 3. of this ToR are to be delivered only in Croatian language. It is
expected that three (3) hard copies of the reports will be sufficient.
5. Data to be provided by the Client
SINP will provide data and maps as described in paragraph 3.2.2. of this Terms of Reference.
The Client/SINP uses and prefers ArcGIS software.
6. Consultant and staff Qualifications
The Consultant shall be a firm or association of consultants in the form of a joint venture or
sub consultancy with following qualifications:
-
proven experience in terrestrial habitat mapping projects for the last ten (10) years;
proven experience in terrestrial habitat mapping methodology including terrain
mapping;
proven experience in performing tasks related to nature protection and/or biodiversity
mapping;
experience within the European Union or EU pre-accession countries as well as
knowledge of habitats types present in Croatia is considered as an advantage.
The credibility of mentioned experience shall be presented in a list of at least five (5) habitat
mapping project references within last ten (10) years with description of services provided
(including information on contract value, contracting entity/client, project location/country,
duration, assignment budget, percentage carried out by consultant in case of association of
firms or subcontracting and main activities) and accompanied by certificates of orderly
fulfilment of the contracts verified by other party from such contracts.
The Consultant shall have the organizational capacity (it is expected that the Consultant shall
have at least twenty (20) employees/sub-contracted experts for performing activities under
this assignment) to perform this assignment as well as available appropriate skills among
staff. It is expected that the Consultant submits information on their organizational capacity in
their Expression of Interest.
It is expected that the core team shall comprise of following four (4) experts: Project leader
and habitats mapping expert, two (2) Habitats mapping expert and GIS expert.
Following is an overview of required qualifications for the proposed experts.
Long-time experts:
Key expert 1: Project leader and habitats mapping expert
General
o University degree;
o Minimum of ten (10) years of working experience in nature protection or biodiversity
inventory;
o Five (5) years of experience as project leader in biodiversity/ecosystems inventory and
monitoring.
Adequacy for assignment
o Experience in organisation of field surveys for large areas (i.e. country, regions, etc.);
o Experience in project management and coordination (projects with more than twenty
people/experts);
o Experience in project management related to habitat/vegetation mapping;
o Experience in organisation and application of field surveys for habitat/vegetation
mapping is considered as advantage;
Experience in region and language
o Detailed and direct knowledge of country habitats through years of professional work
is considered as advantage;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in Croatian are considered as
advantage.
Key expert 2: Habitats mapping expert – Continental habitat types
General
o University degree;
o Minimum of ten (10) years of working experience in nature protection or biodiversity
inventory;
o Minimum of five (5) years of experience in habitats/vegetation mapping.
Adequacy for assignment
o Experience in continental terrestrial non-forest habitats mapping (at least five (5)
projects);
o Experience in organisation and application of field surveys for habitat/vegetation
mapping;
o Experience in project management as field coordinator is considered as advantage
o Excellent botanical and phytosociological knowledge.
Experience in region and language
o Detailed and direct knowledge of country habitats through years of professional work
is considered as advantage;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in Croatian are considered as
advantage.
Key expert 3: Habitats mapping expert – Mediterranean habitat types
General
o University degree;
o Minimum of ten (10) years of working experience in nature protection or biodiversity
inventory;
o Minimum of five (5) years of experience in habitats/vegetation mapping.
Adequacy for assignment
o Experience in Mediterranean terrestrial non-forest habitats mapping (at least five (5)
projects);
o Experience in organisation and application of field surveys for habitat/vegetation
mapping;
o Experience in project management as field coordinator is considered as advantage
o Excellent botanical and phytosociological knowledge.
Experience in region and language
o Detailed and direct knowledge of country habitats through years of professional work
is considered as advantage;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in Croatian are considered as
advantage.
Key expert 4: GIS expert
General
o University degree;
o Minimum ten (10) years of experience in GIS processing.
Adequacy for assignment
o Five (5) years of experience in application of GIS in habitats mapping;
o Five (5) years of experience in spatial database administration
Experience in region and language
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in Croatian are considered as
advantage.
Short-time experts (for all short-time expert required experience is five (5) years of
experience in respective field and university degree):
General
o University degree;
o Minimum of five (5) years of working experience in nature protection or biodiversity
inventory (except for Non-key expert 5);
o Minimum of five (5) years of working experience in GIS and spatial database
administration (only for Non-key expert 5).
Experience in region and language
o Detailed and direct knowledge of country habitats through years of professional work
is considered as advantage (except for Non-key expert 5);
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory;
o Excellent oral and written communication skills in Croatian are considered as
advantage.
Non-key expert 1: Mediterranean flora and ecosystems expert.
Non-key expert 2: Continental flora and ecosystems expert.
Non-key expert 3: Habitat mapping expert.
Non-key expert 4: Freshwater flora and ecosystems expert.
Non-key expert 5: IT (GIS and spatial database administration expert).
The Evaluation criteria for the proposals will be set up in detail in the Request for Proposal
which will be distributed to all short listed Consultants.