The ecodiver index in the evaluation of habitats: a complementary methodology for forest inventory in the elaboration of technical plans and ordinance of land, environmental planning and administration of natural resources

Abstract

Abstract.-The evaluation of habitats can be carried out from a number of different points of view (biological diversity, ecological value, economic evaluation, etc.) and with the use of different techniques. Here we propose and discuss a theoretical methodology for a global index of vegetation, that weighs the value of biological aspects, of conservation and of the benefits for human use. The « ecodiver » index is thought off as a global index that incorporates the most valued approaches contained in previous studies. This index is an arithmetic mean of other more specific or more intuitive indexes. The aspects considered by this proposal include endemicity (E), the degree of conservation (CO), primary ecological diversity (DIVE) and natural resources of vegetation (R).Key words : vegetation index -land management -nature conservation -forest inventory -yield planning -ecological evaluation -degree of conservation -natural resources -habitat conservation.Résumé.-L'évaluation des habitats peut être menée de différents points de vue (diversité biologique, valeur écologique, évaluation économique...) et au moyen de diverses techniques. Ici, nous proposons et discutons la méthodologie d'un indice global intégrant la valeur de ces différents points de vue, l'indice « ecodiver », une moyenne arithmétique d'autres indices plus spécifiques ou intuitifs.Mots clés : indice de végétation -aménagement du territoire -conservation de la nature -inventaire forestier -planification -évaluation écologique -degré de conservation -ressources naturelles -conservation des habitats.