Conversion into agricultural land (excluding drainage and burning)
Conversion of natural and semi-natural non-agricultural habitats (e.g. semi-natural forests) and non-agricultural habitats of species targeted by the nature directives into agricultural land (e.g. pastures, meadows, arable fields). This pressure does not relate only to land use changes that occurred during the reporting period but it refers to instances where continuing the agricultural use of originally non-agricultural habitat prevent the latter from being restored (e.g. in case of land use conflicts between agriculture and nature conservation).
Conversion from one type of agricultural land use to another (excluding drainage and burning)
Conversion of agricultural habitats into other types of agricultural habitats. This pressure often refers to conversion of semi-natural agricultural habitats (e.g. meadows) into intensive production areas (e.g. sawn grasslands or arable fields) but it also includes more subtle changes, mostly of habitat conditions (e.g. change of crops or a move from spring-sown to autumn/winter-sown cereals causing denser/taller crop structure earlier in the nesting season or earlier harvesting) or other types of conversion (e.g. rice paddies into other types of culture). This pressure does not relate only to land use changes that occurred during the reporting period but it refers to instances where continuing the current agricultural use of a habitat prevent the latter from being restored (e.g. in cases of land use conflicts between agriculture and nature conservation).
Conversion from mixed farming and agroforestry systems to specialised (e.g. single crop) production
Large scale changes (affecting the habitat at landscape level or landscape functions like connectivity or nutrient cycling) of agricultural systems from traditional mixed or diversified farming and agroforestry into intensive specialised farming (e.g. single crop).
Changes in terrain and surface of agricultural areas
Changes in terrain and surface of agricultural areas due to, for example, restructuring of slopes, terracing, levelling, rock crushing or other changes of terrain to, for example, facilitate the use of machinery or manage runoff of rain water or to prepare new terrains for agricultural production.
Removal of small landscape features for agricultural land parcel consolidation (hedges, stone walls, rushes, open ditches, springs, solitary trees, etc.)
Removal of single landscape features or small scale parcel consolidation (e.g. removal of hedges between two existing arable fields, to facilitate use of farm machinery).
Abandonment of grassland management (e.g. cessation of grazing or mowing)
Abandonment of traditional agricultural practices in grasslands such as cessation of mowing or abandonment of traditional pastoral systems like itinerant grazing in mountain areas.
Abandonment of management/use of other agricultural and agroforestry systems (all except grassland)
Abandonment of traditional management systems or use of other agricultural systems (excluding grasslands), such as the abandonment of traditional farming, abandonment of mowing, grazing and other traditional uses of fens, mires, heathland or agroforestry habitats.
Inappropriate techniques or timing of mowing, for example mowing at inappropriate times, mowing with too high a frequency, using machinery or inadequate machinery for mowing of grasslands or leaving dead material after mowing on the ground (mulching).
Intensive grazing or overgrazing by livestock
Intensive grazing or overgrazing by livestock in agricultural and agroforestry habitats (e.g. pastures, meadows, pastured forests) where grazing causes damage to vegetation or soil (e.g. trampling, nitrogen input) or where livestock presents a disturbance or a competitor for species targeted by the nature directives. Includes intensive grazing in other habitats in agricultural landscapes (riparian areas, bogs, scrubs and forests) where grazing causes damage to vegetation or habitats.
Extensive grazing or undergrazing by livestock
Insufficient grazing or undergrazing that causes, for example, changes in species composition, or extensive grazing in inappropriate habitats like meadows or bogs.
Burning as an agricultural practice, for example, to create a pasture, or burning agricultural waste like crop stubble.
Suppression or lack of controlled burning used as a traditional management practice e.g. of heaths in wet and cold regions of Europe.
Reseeding of grasslands and other semi-natural habitats
Reseeding of grasslands and other semi-natural habitats.
Other activities, except grazing, related to livestock farming, like animal breeding (e.g. causing point or diffuse pollution), livestock feeding or use of veterinary drugs (e.g. causing increased mortality of scavengers like vultures as a consequence of 'incidental poisoning' following the consumption of livestock carcasses treated with veterinary drugs). Includes abandonment of traditional processes related to livestock (e.g. closure of traditional livestock carcass dumps causing loss of food resources for vultures).
Tillage practices (e.g. ploughing) in agriculture
Inappropriate techniques or timing of tillage, for example, ploughing at inappropriate times, using inadequate machinery for ploughing or the inappropriate use of tillage (e.g. tillage in grasslands).
Other soil management practices in agriculture
Inappropriate use of soil management practices in agriculture or inappropriate techniques/timing of soil management other than tillage.
Harvesting of crops and cutting of croplands
Inappropriate techniques and timing of harvesting, for example, use of machinery for harvesting, use of inadequate machinery for harvesting (e.g. more efficient machinery may reduce the amount of unharvested/spilt grain available as food) or inappropriate harvesting periods (e.g. harvesting too early in season, harvesting during the night). Includes the cutting of vegetation along the edges of fields.
Input of water into semi-natural or extensive agricultural habitats (e.g. irrigation of olive orchards) possibly leading to changes in species composition or increased production. Includes the installation of irrigation infrastructure.
Application of natural fertilisers on agricultural land
Use, application, treatment and stocking of natural fertilisers (e.g. manure, slurry) for agricultural production.
Application of synthetic (mineral) fertilisers on agricultural land
Use, application, treatment and stocking of synthetic fertilisers for agricultural production.
Use of plant protection chemicals in agriculture
Use of plant protection chemicals in agriculture (e.g. pesticides, fungicides, growth retardants, hormones, seed coatings etc.).
Use of physical plant protection in agriculture
Use of physical plant protection in agriculture (e.g. weed picking or netting/cages for fruit ).
Use of other pest control methods in agriculture (excluding tillage)
Use of other pest control methods in agriculture (e.g. biocontrol)
Waste management practices in agriculture
Management of waste in agriculture (e.g. temporary holding of solutions like manure storage ponds/lagoons or deposition of waste).
Agricultural activities generating point source pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure addresses point source water pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. point pollution from an animal farm should be reported as A14 Livestock farming (without grazing)).
Agricultural activities generating diffuse pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure addresses diffuse water pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. diffuse pollution due to the application of fertilisers or plant protection chemicals should be reported under respective activities A20 Application of synthetic (mineral) fertilisers on agricultural land or A21 Use of plant protection chemicals in agriculture).
Agricultural activities generating air pollution
This pressure addresses air pollution resulting from agricultural activities and agricultural land use.
Agricultural activities generating marine pollution
This pressure addresses point or diffuse source marine pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. diffuse pollution due to application of fertilisers or plant protection chemicals should be reported under respective activities A20 Application of synthetic (mineral) fertilisers on agricultural land or A21 Use of plant protection chemicals in agriculture).
Agricultural activities generating soil pollution
This pressure should be used to address the pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. diffuse pollution due to application of fertilisers or plant protection chemicals should be reported under respective activities A20 Application of synthetic (mineral) fertilisers on agricultural land or A21 Use of plant protection chemicals in agriculture).
Active abstractions from groundwater, surface water or mixed water for agriculture
Abstraction of water for use in agriculture e.g. for irrigation or in large scale animal breeding.
Activities like water abstraction, hydrological modifications, canalisation aimed at draining natural or semi-natural habitats for the use as agricultural land (e.g. drainage of wetlands for agriculture).
Development and operation of dams for agriculture
Development and operation of dams for agriculture (e.g. for irrigation).
Modification of hydrological flow or physical alteration of water bodies for agriculture (excluding development and operation of dams)
Activities modifying physical structure or hydrological functioning of water bodies triggered by agricultural production (e.g. altering of flooding regimes, altering regimes of rivers to keep sufficient water supply for irrigation, cleaning irrigation canals, canalisation of rivers and cutting of the oxbow lakes).
Introduction and spread of new crops (including GMOs)
Introduction and/or spread of new crops (e.g. crops producing pollen toxic for pollinators) and GMOs.
Agricultural crops for renewable energy production
Conversion of agricultural or non-agricultural habitats into areas of agricultural production of renewable energy stocks, and other pressures arising from the agricultural production of energy crops.
Agriculture activities not referred to above
Other agricultural activities not mentioned above.
Conversion to forest from other land uses, or afforestation (excluding drainage)
Increase in forest area, including planting of forests on grassland or heathland, or converting shrubs into forest. This pressure does not relate only to land use changes that occurred during the reporting period but it refers to instances where continuing the current forestry use of a natural/semi-natural habitat prevents the latter from being restored (e.g. in cases of land use conflicts between forestry and nature conservation for the restoration of some heathlands and peats, which were in the past afforested and are currently being managed and replanted as forests).
Conversion to other types of forests including monocultures
Conversion of forest habitats into another type of forest habitat, often conversion from extensive forests into production forests (e.g. conversion to monocultures) but also other types of conversion (e.g. conversion from coppice to high forest or changes of tree species composition). Includes deliberate changes. Passive abandonment of traditional forest management should be reported as B04. This pressure does not relate only to land use changes that occurred during the reporting period but it refers to instances where continuing the current forestry use of a natural/semi-natural habitat prevent the latter from being restored (e.g. in case of land use conflicts between forestry and nature conservation).
Replanting with or introducing non-native or non-typical species (including new species and GMOs)
Replanting with non-native (including new tree species and genetically modified organisms) or non-typical species (i.e. native species which do not naturally occur as a part of a specific forest type or within a specific region) after forest exploitation or planting non-native or non-typical species in existing forests.
Abandonment of traditional forest management
Abandonment of traditional management and maintenance of secondary forest habitats such as some oak and oak-hornbeam forests, chestnut forests or lichen-pine forests.
Logging without replanting or natural regrowth
Decline in forest area due to non-replanting or absence of natural regrowth after forest exploitation.
Logging (excluding clear cutting) of individual trees
Logging (of individual trees) causing damage to e.g. standing trees, forest undergrowth or soil and springs.
Removal of dead and dying trees, including debris
Removal of dead and dying trees (e.g. to prevent forestry pests) and removal of fallen wood (e.g. for firewood collection, fire prevention or enabling access by machinery).
Removal of old trees (excluding dead or dying trees)
Targeted removal of old trees (e.g. to preserve the forest structure or to improve regeneration). Includes logging of mature trees (trees with a high potential to become old) in forests with a diverse age structure.
Forest clearance (small to large scale removal of all trees) causing damage to forest habitat or habitats of species targeted by the nature directives, to soil or springs or other physical features.
Illegal logging e.g. organised illegal timber extraction.
Cork extraction and forest exploitation excluding logging.
Forest exploitation activities (e.g. cork extraction), excluding timber logging.
Removal of trees (including logging) of a certain tree layer(s) (upper or lower) in order to favour selected trees or to promote natural regeneration. Includes damage to soil, springs, forest habitats and undergrowth due to thinning.
Burning as a forestry practice (e.g. burning waste after exploitation).
Suppression of forest management practices using controlled burning and fire.
Forest management reducing old growth forests.
Shortening of logging rotations or other activities like thinning aimed at earlier logging.
Construction and maintenance of logging roads and tracks (closed to public circulation), wood transport within forest (damaging forest undergrowth, soil and springs) and poor management of wood transport (e.g. leaving the felled wood in piles in forests during summer or damage to soil).
Tillage practices in forestry and other soil management practices in forestry
Using tillage or other soil management practices in forestry (e.g. preparation of soil for forest replanting).
Use, application, treatment and stocking of natural fertilisers (e.g. manure, slurry) in forestry.
Application of synthetic fertilisers in forestry, including liming of forest soils
Use, application, treatment and stocking of synthetic fertilisers in forestry.
Use of plant protection chemicals in forestry
Use of plant protection chemicals in forestry (e.g. pesticides, fungicides, pheromones or repulsives).
Use of physical plant protection in forestry, excluding tree layer thinning
Use of physical or mechanical plant protection in forestry (e.g. exclosure fencing, protective cages/sleeves around trees/saplings, cutting weeds, mulching).
Use of other pest control methods in forestry
Use of other pest control methods in forestry (e.g. biocontrol).
Forestry activities generating pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure addresses diffuse water pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. diffuse pollution due to application of fertilisers or plant protection chemicals should be reported under respective activities B19, Application of synthetic fertilisers in forestry, including liming of forest soils or B21 Use of physical plant protection in forestry, excluding tree layer thinning).
Forestry activities generating air pollution
This pressure addresses air pollution resulting from forestry activities.
Forestry activities generating marine pollution
This pressure addresses marine pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. marine pollution due to the application of fertilisers or plant protection chemicals should be reported under respective activities B19 Application of synthetic fertilisers in forestry, including liming of forest soils or B21 Use of physical plant protection in forestry, excluding tree layer thinning).
Forestry activities generating soil pollution
This pressure addresses soil pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. soil pollution due to application of fertilisers or plant protection chemicals should be reported under respective activities B19 Application of synthetic fertilisers in forestry, including liming of forest soils or B21 Use of physical plant protection in forestry, excluding tree layer thinning) .
Modification of hydrological conditions, or physical alteration of water bodies and drainage for forestry (including dams)
Activities modifying the physical structure or hydrological functioning of water bodies triggered by forestry production and exploitation, and activities aimed at drying out the land to facilitate forestry production or exploitation (e.g. altering of flooding regimes, canalisation of rivers, cutting of the oxbow lakes, building draining canals).
Conversion of forest or non-forest habitats into short rotation coppices (e.g. coppices of willow, poplar or eucalyptus) or converting or maintaining existing forest as short rotation coppices/forests (e.g. chestnut forests) for biomass production and other pressures from forestry biomass production.
Other forestry activities, excluding those relating to agro-forestry
Other forestry activities not mentioned above (e.g. example pruning).
Extraction of minerals (e.g. rock, metal ores, gravel, sand, shell)
Extraction of rocks, gravel, sand, metal ores, loam, clay and shells from quarries, inland water bodies (lakes, river beds) and sea.
Extraction of salt from quarries and saltpans.
Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure
Exploration of, development of infrastructure for and extracting petroleum and other liquid hydrocarbons (e.g. deep sea natural gas drilling or hydraulic fracturing on land). Includes oil spills that occur at the drill site.
Coal mining including both open cast and underground mining.
Extraction of peat (e.g. cutting of peat and mechanical removal of peat). Includes drainage associated with peat extraction.
Dumping/depositing of inert materials from terrestrial extraction
Dumping/depositing of inert materials from terrestrial extraction.
Dumping/depositing of dredged materials from marine extraction
Dumping/depositing of dredged materials from marine extraction.
Abandonment or conversion of saltpans (e.g. for aquaculture or rice fields).
Geotechnical surveying for oil and gas exploration and exploration of mines (e.g. seismic marine surveys or surveys to evaluate potential for hydraulic fracturing).
Extraction activities generating point source pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure should be used to address the point source pollution to surface and ground waters resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. point source pollution from coal mines or at oil and gas exploitation sites should be reported under the respective codes C04 Coal mining or C03 Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure).
Extraction activities generating diffuse pollution to ground or surface waters
This pressure should be used to address the diffuse pollution to surface and ground waters resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. diffuse pollution related to coal mining or oil and gas exploitation should be reported under the respective codes C04 Coal mining or C03 Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure).
Extraction activities generating marine pollution
This pressure should be used to address marine pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. marine pollution related to oil and gas exploitation should be reported under C03 Extraction of oil and gas, including infrastructure).
Extraction activities generating noise, light or other forms of pollution
This pressure should be used to address the noise, light pollution or pollution by other forms of energy resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. sound wave pollution from marine seismic surveys should be reported as C09 Geotechnical surveying).
Abstraction of surface and ground water for resource extraction
Abstraction of water for processing the exploited materials.
Mining and extraction activities not referred to above
Other mining and extraction activities not mentioned above (e.g. closure of mines).
Wind, wave and tidal power, including infrastructure
Renewable energy (wind, wave and tidal power) generation including development and use of associated infrastructure (e.g. building wind turbines or tidal barrages, collision of birds with wind turbines, damage to coastal habitats or disturbance of marine mammals due to operation of tidal or wave barrages).
Hydropower (dams, weirs, run-off-the-river), including infrastructure
Hydropower generation including development and use of associated infrastructure (e.g. building dams or weirs, changes of hydrological functioning rivers or chemical and thermal properties of water due to operation of dams and weirs).
Renewable energy (solar power) generation including development and use of associated infrastructure (e.g. building solar farms).
Geothermal power generation (including infrastructure)
Renewable energy (geothermal power) generation including development and use of associated infrastructure (e.g. exploitation drills, geothermal wells, managing waste heat, managing pollution from geothermal waters, accidents).
Development and operation of energy production plants (including bioenergy plants, fossil and nuclear energy plants)
Development and operation of energy production plants (e.g. bioenergy plants, fossil and nuclear energy plants).
Transmission of electricity and communications (cables)
Construction, operation and maintenance of power lines and communication infrastructure (e.g. collisions or electrocution of wildlife with phone and power lines).
Construction and operation of oil and gas pipelines in both the marine and terrestrial environment (e.g. negative impact of explosions, air pollution).
Energy production and transmission activities generating pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure should be used to address the pollution to surface and ground waters resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. pollution from oil pipelines or from geothermal waters should be reported under D07 Oil and gas pipelines or D04 Geothermal power generation (including infrastructure)).
Energy production and transmission activities generating air pollution
This pressure should be used to address the air pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. pollution from fossil energy plants should be reported as D05 Development and operation of energy production plants (including bioenergy plants, fossil and nuclear energy plants)).
Energy production and transmission activities generating marine pollution
This pressure should be used to address the marine pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. pollution from oil pipelines or from geothermal waters should be reported under D07 Oil and gas pipelines or D04 Geothermal power generation (including infrastructure)).
Energy production and transmission activities generating noise pollution
This pressure should be used to address the noise pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. noise pollution from wind, wave or tidal turbines should be reported under D01 Wind, wave and tidal power, including infrastructure)).
Energy production and transmission activities generating light, heat or other forms pollution
This pressure should be used to address the light, heat or other forms pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. heat pollution from cooling waters should be reported under D05 Development and operation of energy production plants (including bioenergy plants, fossil and nuclear energy plants)).
Abstraction of surface and ground water for energy production (excluding hydropower)
Surface water abstraction for energy production (e.g. for cooling in electricity production).
Energy production and transmission activities not referred to above
Other energy production and transmission related activities not mentioned above.
Roads, paths, railroads and related infrastructure (e.g. bridges, viaducts, tunnels)
Construction and operation (e.g. collisions, traffic, noise, light, fencing associated with roads, use of salt for snow cleaning etc.) of road and related infrastructure and related pressures such as animal mortality, habitat fragmentation, improved access to sites via roads and paths.
Shipping lanes and ferry lanes transport operations
Operation and use of marine and inland water transport corridors, as well as pressures linked to transport activities on these freshwater and ocean waterways (e.g. disturbance from shipping at feeding/nesting areas, death or injury by collision, wakes from cargo ship traffic, oil spills from tankers, increased risk of colonisation of islands by invasive species). Includes the anchorage of ships and vessels (industrial, commercial).
Shipping lanes, ferry lanes and anchorage infrastructure (e.g. canalisation, dredging)
Maintenance and construction of marine and inland water shipping lanes, transport corridors or coastal infrastructure for anchorage of ships and vessels (industrial, commercial) including hydrological and morphological modifications for transport (e.g. canalisation, water deviation, barriers and locks, dredging and desilting of waterways for navigational purposes).
Flight paths of planes, helicopter and other non-leisure aircrafts
Transport activities on the flight paths of the aircraft including near airports (e.g. birds collisions with (commercial) aircraft at/near airports).
Land, water and air transport activities generating pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure should be used to address the pollution to surface or ground waters resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. leaks and spills from commercial freshwater vessels should be reported under E02 Shipping lanes and ferry lanes transport operations).
Land, water and air transport activities generating air pollution
This pressure should be used to address air pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. emissions from particular transportation methods like road transportation vehicles, aircrafts, container ships or ferries should be reported under respective codes E01 Roads, paths, railroads and related infrastructure (e.g. bridges, viaducts, tunnels), E02 Shipping lanes and ferry lanes transport operations or E04 Flight paths of planes, helicopter and other non-leisure aircrafts).
Land, water and air transport activities generating marine pollution
This pressure should be used to address marine pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. oil spills from tankers or fuel oil leaks and discharges from ships and ferries should be reported under E02 Shipping lanes and ferry lanes transport operations).
Land, water and air transport activities generating noise, light and other forms of pollution
This pressure should be used to address noise, light and other forms of pollution resulting from activities which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. noise from shipping should be reported under E02 Shipping lanes and ferry lanes transport operations).
Land, water and air transport activities not referred to above
Other land, water and air transport activities not mentioned above.
Conversion from other land uses to housing, settlement or recreational areas (excluding drainage and modification of coastline, estuary and coastal conditions)
Conversion of natural and semi-natural habitats to housing, settlement or recreational areas. Includes development of dispersed housing. This pressure does not relate only to land use changes that occurred during the reporting period,it also refers to instances where continuing the current land use of a natural/semi-natural habitat prevent the latter from being restored.
Construction or modification (e.g. of housing and settlements) in existing urban or recreational areas
Construction in existing urban or recreational areas, reconstruction of existing buildings and structures, and the demolition of buildings and human structures. This pressure can include e.g. demolishment of structures important for nesting or sheltering of birds and bats, negative impact of isolation or other reconstruction works to nesting birds or bats. Includes deliberate closure of roofs (to prevent bats or birds).
Conversion from other land uses to commercial / industrial areas (excluding drainage and modification of coastline, estuary and coastal conditions)
Conversion of natural and semi-natural habitats to commercial or industrial areas (e.g. building the industrial parks or warehouse zones) or construction of solitary buildings not dedicated to housing and recreation (like solitary buildings for agricultural or forestry use). This pressure relates not only to land use changes that occurred during the reporting period but refers to instances where continuing the current land use of a natural/semi-natural habitat prevent the latter from being restored.
Construction or modification of commercial / industrial infrastructure in existing commercial / industrial areas
Construction in existing commercial or industrial areas, reconstruction of existing buildings and other industrial infrastructure and demolition of buildings and industrial structures. Includes reconstructions and demolishment of solitary buildings not dedicated for housing and recreation (like solitary buildings for agricultural or forestry use).
Creation or development of sports, tourism and leisure infrastructure (outside the urban or recreational areas)
Creation and development of sport and leisure structures outside the urban or recreational areas (e.g. building the ski lifts, cable cars, motocross circuits).
Development and maintenance of beach areas for tourism and recreation incl. beach nourishment and beach cleaning
Activities connected with development and maintenance of recreational coastal areas and beach resorts such as levelling of dunes morphology, beach cleaning (also with mechanical vehicles), beach nourishment, human trampling and overuse, construction of buildings connected to the seaside bathing establishments, marine/beach litter deposition.
Sport, tourism and leisure activities outside the urban and recreational zones (e.g. outdoor sports, leisure aircrafts, drones, human trampling, wildlife watching).
Modification of coastline, estuary and coastal conditions for development, use and protection of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational infrastructure and areas (including sea defences or coastal protection works and infrastructures)
Activities modifying coastline or estuary and coastal conditions triggered by urban development such as development and protection of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational infrastructure and areas. Includes activities like building sea defences and coastal protection infrastructure or maintenance of existing coastal structures (e.g. repairs to existing sea defences, harbour walls).
Deposition and treatment of waste/garbage from household/recreational facilities
Management, including deposition and treatment (e.g. dumps, landfills, incineration and other methods of physical or biological processing) of waste from urban and recreational areas (e.g. household waste, other urban waste like waste from hospitals or from urban green areas, food waste from recreational areas).
Deposition and treatment of waste/garbage from commercial and industrial facilities.
Management, including deposition and treatment (e.g. dumps, landfills, incineration recycling and other methods of physical or chemical processing) of waste from industrial production processes.
Pollution to surface or ground water due to urban run-offs
Pollution from rain and storm water running from urbanised areas carrying pollutants from roads and parking plots as well as fertilizers and pesticides used for urban vegetation.
Discharge of urban waste water (excluding storm overflows and/or urban run-offs) generating pollution to surface or ground water
Discharges of urban waste water (sewage) into surface and ground waters as well as discharges from non-manufacturing commercial areas which can largely be assimilated as urban waste water. Includes also activities related to household waste water treatment.
Plants, contaminated or abandoned industrial sites generating pollution to surface or ground water
Discharges of industrial waste water into surface and ground waters as well as diffuse pollution from contaminated or abandoned industrial sites. Includes also activities related to industrial waste water treatment.
Other residential and recreational activities and structures generating point pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure should be used to address the point pollution to surface and ground waters originating from urban and recreational areas which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. if the source of the pollution is unknown or pollution is from several different sources).
Other industrial and commercial activities and structures generating point pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure should be used to address the point pollution to surface and ground waters originating from industrial processes (i.e. from industrial production and processing) and structures which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. if the source of the pollution is unknown or pollution is from several different sources like from production sites together with solid waste treatment and disposal processes).
Other residential and recreational activities and structures generating diffuse pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure should be used to address the diffuse pollution to surface and ground waters originating from urban and recreational areas which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. if the source of the pollution is unknown or pollution is from several different sources).
Other industrial and commercial activities and structures generating diffuse pollution to surface or ground waters
This pressure should be used to address the diffuse pollution to surface and ground waters originating from industrial processes (i.e. from industrial production and processing) and structures which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. if the source of the pollution is unknown or pollution is from several different sources like from production sites together with solid waste treatment and disposal processes).
Residential and recreational activities and structures generating air pollution
Different activities related to residential and recreational areas generating air pollution (e.g. heating).
Industrial and commercial activities and structures generating air pollution
Industrial activities (i.e. industrial production and processing) generating air pollution (e.g. industrial production).
Residential or recreational activities and structures generating marine pollution (excl. marine macro- and micro-particular pollution)
This pressure should be used to address the marine pollution originating from urban and recreational areas which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. if the source of the pollution is unknown or pollution is from several different sources).
Industrial or commercial activities and structures generating marine pollution (excluding marine macro- and micro-particular pollution)
This pressure should be used to address the marine pollution originating from industrial processes (i.e. from industrial production and processing) and structures which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures (e.g. if the source of the pollution is unknown or pollution is from several different sources like from production sites together with solid waste treatment and disposal processes).
Residential or recreational activities and structures generating marine macro- and micro- particulate pollution (e.g. plastic bags, Styrofoam)
Different activities (e.g. urban waste disposal, use of products containing micro-particles) related to residential and recreational areas generating marine macro- and micro- particulate pollution (e.g. plastic bags, Styrofoam). Includes micro-residues in benthic habitats.
Industrial or commercial activities and structures generating marine macro- and micro- particulate pollution (e.g. plastic bags, Styrofoam)
Industrial processes (i.e. from industrial production and processing) , storage and transportation of industrial products generating marine macro- and micro- particulate pollution (e.g. plastic bags, Styrofoam). Includes micro-residues in benthic habitats.
Residential or recreational activities and structures generating noise, light, heat or other forms of pollution
Different activities and structures related to residential and recreational areas that generate noise, light, heat or other forms of pollution.
Industrial or commercial activities and structures generating noise, light, heat or other forms of pollution
Industrial processes (i.e. from industrial production and processing) and structures generating noise, light, heat or other forms of pollution.
Drainage, land reclamation and conversion of wetlands, marshes, bogs, etc. to settlement or recreational areas
Drainage, land reclamation and conversion of wetlands (e.g. marshes, bogs, fens, alluvial habitats) to prepare land for construction of human settlements or for use as recreational areas.
Drainage, land reclamation or conversion of wetlands, marshes, bogs, etc. to industrial/commercial areas
Drainage, land reclamation and conversion of wetlands (e.g. marshes, bogs, fens, alluvial habitats) to prepare land for construction of industrial/commercial areas.
Modification of flooding regimes, flood protection for residential or recreational development
Activities modifying physical structure and/or hydrological functioning of water bodies triggered by flood protection of urban and recreational zones (e.g. flood protection dams and reservoirs, river impoundments, canalisation, water deviation, removing bank vegetation).
Construction or development of reservoirs and dams for residential or recreational development
Construction, development, use and maintenance of reservoirs and dams for residential or recreational use (e.g. drinking water supply).
Construction or development of reservoirs and dams for industrial or commercial development
Construction, development, use and maintenance of reservoirs and dams for industrial or commercial development and use (e.g. for industrial cooling).
Other modification of hydrological conditions for residential or recreational development
This pressure should be used to address activities related to development and use of housing and recreational areas and structures modifying physical structure and/or hydrological functioning of water bodies which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures.
Other modification of hydrological conditions for industrial or commercial development
This pressure should be used to address activities related to development and use of industrial areas structures modifying physical structure and/or hydrological functioning of water bodies which cannot be directly attributed to specific activities covered by other level 2 pressures.
Abstraction of ground and surface waters (including marine) for public water supply and recreational use
Abstraction from ground and surface waters for public water supply and recreational use (e.g. abstraction of fresh/marine water for swimming pools).
Abstraction of ground and surface waters (including marine) for commercial/industrial use (excluding energy)
Abstraction from ground and surface waters (including marine) for commercial/industrial use (e.g. for industrial cooling or industrial processing).
Marine fish and shellfish harvesting (professional, recreational) causing reduction of species/prey populations and disturbance of species
Professional and recreational marine fishing and shellfish harvesting causing increased mortality, reduction of species and/or prey populations and disturbance to species.
Activities related to marine fish and shellfish processing like handling the catch, storing, pre-processing and processing, and waste treatment.
Marine fish and shellfish harvesting (professional, recreational) activities causing physical loss and disturbance of seafloor habitats.
Professional and recreational marine fishing and shellfish harvesting activities causing physical loss and disturbance of seafloor habitats (e.g. bottom trawling, benthic dredging).
Commercial and non-professional harvesting of wild marine macro- and micro-algae .
Freshwater fish and shellfish harvesting (professional)
Professional freshwater fishing and shellfish harvesting causing increased direct mortality, reduction of species and/or prey populations and disturbance to species.
Freshwater fish and shellfish harvesting (recreational)
Recreational freshwater fishing and shellfish harvesting causing increased direct mortality, reduction of species and/or prey populations and disturbance to species.
Hunting causing increased direct mortality, reduction of species and/or prey populations and disturbance to species.
Activities related to management of fishing stocks and game such as stocking or restocking with native fish species (including illegal restocking), management of game population (e.g. control of certain other predators, such as corvids, by gamekeepers), management of game habitat (e.g. burning of heather for Lagopus lagopus), feeding of game, damages due to overabundant game.
Harvesting or collecting of other wild plants and animals (excluding hunting and leisure fishing)
Harvesting or collecting of other wild plants and animals (excluding fish, shellfish and game) for example, honey, fruit or wild mushroom collection, reed cutting/harvesting, orchid collection, butterfly collecting, pillaging of floristic stations.
Illegal shooting, killing or collecting of animal species. This includes, for example, illegal killing of game species, illegal taking of fish, illegal collecting of strictly protected animal species. Also includes hunting, capture or killing using methods and forms referred to in the Article 8 of the Birds Directive (e.g. 'indiscriminate' forms of hunting for birds such as snares) or in Article 15 of the Habitats Directive; or the practice of hunting and fishing activities that do not conform to e.g. quotas or seasonal restrictions.
Illegal harvesting, collecting and taking
Illegal harvesting, collecting and taking of plant species (e.g. collecting strictly protected species or illegal taking of other plants species for which harvesting is regulated).
Bycatch and incidental killing (due to fishing and hunting activities)
Bycatch and incidental killing due to fishing and hunting activities (e.g. 'accidentally' shooting of a non-target species, because of similarities with a target species, capture/drowning on long-lines and in fishing nets, entanglement in discarded/lost fishing gear).
Poisoning of animals (excluding lead poisoning)
Deliberate poisoning of animals including the effect of secondary poisoning.
Use of lead ammunition or fishing weights
Poisoning related to the use of lead shots, lead bullet fragments or fishing weights.
Modification of coastal conditions for marine aquaculture
Activities modifying coastal conditions triggered by marine aquaculture (e.g. habitat loss and degradation in coastal areas due to development and installation of infrastructure). Includes changes like changes in sedimentation rates due to operation of facilities and use of equipment and tools (e.g. for harvesting).
Marine aquaculture generating marine pollution
Marine pollution from marine aquaculture (e.g. nutrient input from feeding, pollution due to use of veterinary products or fertilisers or increased concentrations of organic material). Includes pollution by litter.
Introduction and spread of species (including GMOs) in marine aquaculture
Introduction and/or spread of allochthonous species or allochthonous genotypes and of genetically modified organisms in marine aquaculture. It also includes changes in interspecific relations between native wild species induced by marine aquaculture (e.g. changes in sexual behaviour of autochthonous population due to aquaculture, increased food supply for piscivorous species).
Other impacts from marine aquaculture, including infrastructure
Other impacts from marine aquaculture and development and use of marine aquaculture facilities and infrastructure (e.g. disturbance due to noise and light from construction or operation of aquaculture farms, disturbance from anti-predator devices).
Abstraction of water, flow diversion, dams and other modifications of hydrological conditions for freshwater aquaculture
Abstraction of water, flow deviation, development and operation of dams and reservoirs and other changes to the physical structure of water bodies or hydrological flow or triggered by freshwater aquaculture.
Freshwater aquaculture generating point source pollution to surface or ground waters
Chemical or biological point pollution to surface or ground waters from freshwater aquaculture (e.g. nutrient input from feeding, pollution due to use of veterinary products or increased concentrations of organic material).
Freshwater aquaculture generating diffuse source pollution to surface or ground waters
Chemical or biological diffuse pollution to surface or ground waters from freshwater aquaculture (e.g. nutrient input from feeding, pollution due to use of veterinary products or increased concentrations of organic material).
Freshwater aquaculture generating marine pollution
Chemical or biological marine pollution from freshwater aquaculture (e.g. nutrient input from feeding, pollution due to use of veterinary products or fertilisers or increased concentrations of organic material).
Introduction and spread of species (including alien species and GMOs) in freshwater aquaculture
Introduction and/or spread of allochthonous species or allochthonous genotypes and of genetically modified organisms in freshwater aquaculture. It also includes changes in interspecific relationships between native wild species introduced by aquaculture (e.g. an increase of piscivorous fishes due to aquaculture practices that would exert added pressure on endangered amphibians, increase in food supply for native fish populations).
Other impacts from freshwater aquaculture, including infrastructure
Other impacts from freshwater aquaculture and development and use of freshwater aquaculture facilities and infrastructure (e.g. disturbance due to noise and light from construction or operation of aquaculture farms).
Other activities related to extraction and cultivation of biological living resources not referred to above
Other activities related to extraction and cultivation of biological living resources not referred to above.
Military, paramilitary or police exercises and operations on land
Military, paramilitary or police infrastructure, exercises and operations on land (excluding military bases in urbanised areas). Includes, for example, munitions testing, restricted access to military training areas, military manoeuvres).
Military, paramilitary or police exercises and operations in the freshwater and marine environment
Military, paramilitary or police infrastructure, exercises and operations in the freshwater and marine environment (e.g. collisions with vessels, disturbance by sonar from military vessels).
Abandonment of terrestrial military or similar exercises (loss of open habitats)
Abandonment of terrestrial military or similar exercises (e.g. natural successions on open habitats due to cessation of military activities).
Vandalism or arson, including for example larger scale wildfires initiated by arson.
Tree surgery, felling/removal of roadside trees and vegetation for public safety
Tree surgery, felling or removal of roadside trees and vegetation on the grounds of public safety (including interventions classified as public safety issue).
Closure or restricted access to site/habitat
Closure or restricted access to sites, like fencing of open sites, closure of caves, natural galleries and other types of restricted access to a habitat or site related to protection of private property and human safety.
Intrusive and destructive research and monitoring activities
Applied (intrusive) destructive research. Includes for example collection of animals/plants for scientific purposes.
Other human intrusions and disturbance not mentioned above
Other human intrusions and disturbance not mentioned above (e.g. illegal dumping).
Problems related to invasive alien species of Union concern (under Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014) (e.g. clogging of aquatic habitats by Eichhornia crassipes,predation of adults and chicks/eggs by Myocastor coypus, Nyctereutes procyonoides and Procyon lotor, browsing of understorey habitats by Muntiacus reevesi, competition for food with Procambarus clarkii,hybridisation with Oxyura jamaicensis).
Other invasive alien species (other then species of Union concern)
Problems related to other 'invasive' alien species (any species introduced in modern period that is established in the wild outside its natural range and whose introduction and/or spread represent a threat or a potential threat to habitats and species, regardless of the invasive population dynamics) other than invasive alien species of Union concern (under Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014), for which code I01 should be used) (e.g. predation of adults and chicks/eggs by Genetta genetta, Neovison vison, Rattus norvegicus and R. rattus, loss of (native) prey species owing to competition with Crassostrea gigas,decline in the quality of native vegetation owing to spread of invasive plant species (e.g. Amorpha fruticosa and Hedychium gardnerianum),overgrowing of alluvial and lowland humid habitats with invasive plants (e.g. Solidago gigantea, S. canadensis, Aster lanceolatus, A. novi-belgii, Fallopia japonica, F. sachaliensis and Impatiens glandulifera)).
DO NOT USE Other alien species (not invasive)
This code should not be used for new entries. It has been restored for technical reason.
Harmful plants, animals, that are originally found within the ecosystem(s) in question, but have become out-of-balance directly or indirectly due to human activities. It includes, for example, problems with feral native animals (e.g. cats, dog); overabundant algae due to loss of native grazing fish; predation of adults, fledglings and chicks/eggs by Mus musculus, native Mustela spp., Sus scrofa, Vulpes vulpes and domestic/feral Felis catus; interbreeding with feral Columba livia. This pressure should be used if problems with native species cannot be associated with other more specific drivers/pressures (e.g. when problems with native species can be associated with multiple human activities or more precise activities are unknown).
Plant and animal diseases, pathogens and pests
Problems related to plant and animal diseases, pathogens and pests (including insect and nematode pests) like plague affecting rodents or diseases such as those caused by Clostridium botulinum (avian botulism) and Trichomonas gallinae (trichomoniasis).
Mixed source pollution to surface and ground waters (limnic and terrestrial)
Mixed source pollution to surface and ground waters. Pollution should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the pollution is unclear or where pollution is related to several causes. (e.g. river eutrophication can be related to several direct and indirect sources like sewage, agricultural and industrial discharges, diffuse pollution from agriculture, decreased retention of alluvial vegetation due to inadequate management). Where a key sectoral driver can be identified, pollution should be reported under the corresponding sectoral pollution category.
Mixed source marine water pollution (marine and coastal)
Mixed source marine water pollution (marine and coastal). Pollution should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the pollution is unclear or where pollution is related to several causes (e.g. marine pollution by hydrocarbons can be related to several sources, like industrial discharges, water and land based transport operation, pollution, transport and exploitation accidents). Where a key sectoral driver can be identified, pollution should be reported under the corresponding sectoral pollution category.
Mixed source air pollution, air-borne pollutants
Mixed source air pollution, air-borne pollutants. Pollution should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the pollution is unclear or where pollution is related to several causes (e.g. source of pollutants for acid rain is usually a mix of emissions from vehicles, power plants etc.). Where a key sectoral driver can be identified, pollution should be reported under the corresponding sectoral pollution category.
Mixed source soil pollution and solid waste (excluding discharges)
Mixed source soil pollution and solid waste (excluding discharges). Pollution should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the pollution is unclear or where pollution is related to several causes. Where a key sectoral driver can be identified, pollution should be reported under the corresponding sectoral pollution category.
Mixed source excess energy. Pollution should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the pollution is unclear or where pollution is related to several causes. Where a key sectoral driver can be identified, pollution should be reported under the corresponding sectoral pollution category.
Abstraction from groundwater, surface water or mixed water
Abstractions from groundwater, surface water or mixed water should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the change is unclear or where these changes are related to several causes. Where a key sectoral driver(s) can be identified, the pressure/threat should be reported under the corresponding sectoral category.
Drainage including landfill, land reclamation and drying out should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the change is unclear or where these changes are related to several causes. Where a key sectoral driver(s) can be identified, the pressure/threat should be reported under the corresponding sectoral category.
Development and operation of dams should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the change is unclear or where these changes are related to several causes. Where a key sectoral driver(s) can be identified, the pressure/threat should be reported under the corresponding sectoral category.
Modification of hydrological flow should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the change is unclear or where these changes are related to several causes. Where a key sectoral driver can be identified, the pressure/threat should be reported under the corresponding sectoral category. Includes, for example, modification of flooding regimes or cutting of aquatic and bank vegetation to improve water flow.
Physical alteration of water bodies should only be reported under this category when the key driver of the change is unclear or where these changes are related to several causes. Where a key sectoral driver(s) can be identified, the pressure/threat should be reported under the corresponding sectoral category. Includes, for example, removal of sediments, canalisation and water deviation.
Abiotic natural processes (e.g. erosion, silting up, drying out, submersion, salinization)
Abiotic natural processes (e.g. natural erosion in areas with naturally low vegetation cover). Includes natural abiotic processes only. The abiotic processes resulting from human activities or the abandonment of human activities should be reported under the appropriate pressures, for example, silting up as a result of erosion due to wood transport should be coded as B16 Wood transport.
Natural succession resulting in species composition change (other than by direct changes of agricultural or forestry practices)
Changes in a species composition due to natural succession (e.g. primary succession related to natural siltation of lakes or succession after natural disturbances). Includes natural succession only. Spontaneous succession following the abandonment of farming practices is to be coded using appropriate codes under the category A - Agriculture. Spontaneous succession following the abandonment of traditional forest practices is to be coded using respective codes under the category F - Forestry.
Accumulation of organic material. Includes natural processes accumulation of organic material only (e.g. peat formation) .
Natural processes of eutrophication or acidification
Natural processes of eutrophication or acidification (e.g. natural eutrophication of lakes or natural eutrophication due to natural drying out of peatlands in areas with insufficient precipitation rate). Includes natural processes of acidification or eutrophication only. Eutrophication resulting directly or indirectly from human activities should be reported under the appropriate pressures, for example, eutrophication due to the anthropogenic input of nitrogen should be reported under A20 or eutrophication due to drainage of fens or peatlands should be reported under codes that capture drainage, for example A31.
Reduced fecundity / genetic depression (e.g. inbreeding or endogamy)
Reduced fecundity and/or genetic depression resulting from e.g. inbreeding or endogamy. This pressure should be used for genetic depression in naturally small and/or isolated populations but also in populations which declined and/or became isolated in the past (excluding recent past) due to anthropogenic pressures.
Interspecific relations (competition, predation, parasitism, pathogens)
Interspecific relations (competition, predation, parasitism, pathogens). Includes natural relations (not induced by human activities) like plant pest damages (e.g. infection of seeds, like mildew infection, rust infection etc.), animal pest damages (e.g. damage to the plants reproductive organs by invertebrates, parasites) or native plants hybridization with other plants. Changes in interspecific relationships resulting from human activities should be reported under respective pressures for example I04 or G08.
Absence or reduction of interspecific faunal and floral relations (e.g. pollinators)
Absence or reduction of interspecific relations (e.g. lack of pollinators or lack of prey). Includes absence or reduction of interspecific relations due to natural reasons (e.g. lack of prey due to spread of diseases).
Tidal waves, tsunamis. Includes geologically caused tidal waves/tsunamis.
Avalanche (snow). Includes avalanches which are not triggered by human activities, such as off piste skiing.
Underground collapses (natural processes)
Underground collapses (natural processes).
Storm, cyclone. Direct impact of storm or cyclone such as loss of clutches/broods of coastal-nesting species during storm surges, at-sea mortality ('wrecks') of seabirds during winter storms, damage to nests during high winds, direct impacts of heavy rain.
Natural flooding causing e.g. loss of nests of species nesting on the ground or in emergent vegetation along rivers, in marshes and low-lying areas such as floodplains; reduced access to food resources in these areas during prolonged flooding.
Natural fires (e.g. natural forest fires).
Temperature changes (e.g. rise of temperature & extremes) due to climate change
Periods in which temperatures exceed or go below the normal range of variation. Includes, for example, heat waves, cold spells, oceanic temperature changes, disappearance of glaciers/sea ice.
Droughts and decreases in precipitation due to climate change
Periods in which rainfall falls below the normal range of variation. Includes, for example, severe lack of rain, loss of surface water sources.
Increases or changes in precipitation due to climate change
Increased precipitation due to climate change. Also includes increased quantity and intensity of storms.
Sea-level and wave exposure changes due to climate change
Sea-level and wave exposure changes due to climate change.
Change of habitat location, size, and / or quality due to climate change
Change of habitat location, size, and / or quality due to climate change (e.g. changes in pH or ocean acidification).
Desynchronisation of biological / ecological processes due to climate change
Desynchronisation of biological / ecological processes due to climate change.
Decline or extinction of related species (e.g. food source / prey, predator / parasite, symbiote, etc.) due to climate change
Decline or extinction of related species (e.g. food source / prey, predator / parasite, symbiote, etc.) due to climate change.
Change of species distribution (natural newcomers) due to climate change
Change of species distribution (natural newcomers) due to climate change.
Other climate related changes in abiotic conditions
Other climate related changes in abiotic conditions e.g. water flow changes (limnic, tidal and oceanic) due to climate change.
Pressure is acting, but not possible to clearly identify.
Threats and pressures from outside the EU territory
Threats and pressures from outside the EU territory (for the Article 17 reporting only).
Threats and pressures from outside the Member State
Threats and pressures from outside the Member State (for the Article 17 reporting only).