Ecosystem
An interacting community of independent organisms and the environment they inhabit.

Endemic species
A species of animal or plant confined to a particular region and having, so far as is known, originated there.

Environmental Appraisal - see Strategic Environmental Assessment

Environmental Assessment
Environmental Assessment is the term chosen by the UK authorities to describe the process by which the environmental effects of development proposals are systematically assessed and taken into consideration before determining the response to an application for development consent.

Environmental Capacity
The capacity of the environment to absorb change, of whatever kind, without passing a threshold level of damage or loss of quality/function deemed unacceptable.

Environmental Capital
A metaphor for the environment as consisting of assets which can provide a stream of benefits or services. Often broken down into ‘critical’, ‘constant’ and ‘tradeable’, it is now increasingly seen as being linked to environmental function or attribute and the benefits provided.

Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
EMS are designed to help companies reduce risk and plan to maximise environmental opportunities. An EMS approach is integral to companies maximising their biodiversity contribution, eg through risk management, objective setting, feedback/learning systems, and ultimately improved performance. The main standards used are IS01 4000 and EMAS.

Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA)
The DEFRA (then MAFF) ESA scheme was introduced in 1987 to help safeguard areas of the countryside where landscape, wildlife or historic interest is of national importance. It operates through a system of incentives to landowners who are willing to adopt agricultural practices which help protect and enhance the environment.

Estuary Management Plan (EMP)
A voluntary plan aiming to provide an integrated approach for the sustainable management of estuaries. They are often prepared by a number of organisations working in partnership and in full consultation with all relevant users.