Baseline studies are required to establish an environmental benchmark against which future change may be measured. These studies often involve measurement of physical, chemical and biological parameters. Habitat maps are a useful tool with which to assist planning for a development and are essential for resource management purposes (e.g. marine protected areas).

We have experience in surveying marine communities (including infauna, seaweed, seagrass beds, mangroves and coral reefs, as well as fishes, turtles, cetaceans, seabirds and other wildlife), terrestrial communities (flora and fauna), seawater quality (including total suspended solids, turbidity, temperature, salinity, nutrients, heavy metals and a wide range of other pollutants), meteorology, air quality (polluting gases including NOx,SOx and CO, and particulates); and noise levels (Leq, Lmax).

Our surveying techniques are all conducted according to international and regional standards (e.g. AIMS, USEPA, MOOPAM, PERSGA etc.) and we ensure that all chemical analyses are performed at internationally certified and accredited laboratories with the necessary QA and QC measures in place that ensure dependable results.

Where necessary we consult expert taxonomists for detailed determination of ecological results. We outsource mapping services to specialist firms who use the latest image processing and GIS software and add value ourselves with extensive ground-truthing and image interpretation. We are also experienced in gathering social and economic data through rapid and participatory rural appraisal that has the added benefit of improving awareness of the development among the local communities.

 Download our information sheet on Baseline Studies and Habitat Mapping