Glossary of Key Terms

This glossary provides definitions for key terms used throughout the Biodiversity & Infrastructure Handbook, supporting consistent understanding across disciplines such as ecology, engineering, transport planning and policy.

Definitions are based on legal texts, reference documents and expert agreement, and cover essential concepts related to wildlife and traffic, habitat fragmentation, ecological connectivity, mitigation measures, monitoring, green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. The glossary helps practitioners interpret technical guidance and supports clear communication between stakeholders involved in infrastructure projects.

If you are new to transport ecology or working in a multi-disciplinary team, the glossary can serve as a quick reference before exploring detailed handbook chapters. Terms will continue to evolve as the handbook is updated through expert collaboration and user feedback.

Last update: October 2023 – How to cite

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There are currently 5 names in this directory beginning with the letter N.
Natura 2000 network
Network of sites esignated by Member States considered to have Community importance under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC or classified as special protection areas (SPAs) under the Birds Directive 79/409/EEC. Together, the SPAs make up the European network of protected sites, Natura 2000. See also 'Emerald network'.
Nature-based Solutions (NbS)
Actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.
Net Gain (NG)
The point at which project-related impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services are outweighed by measures taken according to the mitigation hierarchy, so that a net gain results. May also be referred to as net positive impact. See 'Biodiversity' and 'Ecosystem Services'.
No Net Loss (NNL)
A goal for a development project, policy, plan or activity in which the impacts on biodiversity it causes are balanced or outweighed by measures taken to avoid and minimise the impacts, to restore affected areas and finally to offset the residual impacts, so that no loss remains. NNL must be defined relative to an appropriate reference scenario. See also 'Net Gain'.
Noise barrier
Measure installed to reduce the dispersal of traffic noise in a certain sensitive area (e.g. wall, fence, screen).