There are a total of 34 land cover categories initially mapped under the WWF study some of which were merged to produce a simplified classification on the WWF (GIS) habitat map (WWF 1993) (Table 9.5a). Some of the habitat types defined for the WWF map (eg Inland Water) are different from the present study and not identified on the SUSDEV 21 habitat map. In addition, a number of the habitat categories mapped under the SUSDEV 21 study, such as Intertidal Mudflat and Sandy Shore, were not included in the WWF study for mapping.

While there was an original intention for SUSDEV 21 Study Team to identify trends of changes in habitats by comparing the mapping results of the WWF study and the SUSDEV 21 Habitat Mapping Baseline Survey, direct comparison between the two studies was found to be not possible because of major differences between the methodology and habitat category definitions adopted by the two studies. Nevertheless, a broad comparison in the actual area (hectares) of habitats which are in common (even broadly) were undertaken between the two studies despite the differences in the methodology employed for mapping habitats and the definitions adopted for some of the habitat categories between them. Habitat areas mapped for the comparable habitat types and the percentage change (increase/decrease) are presented in Table 9.5b.