For the evaluation of the conservation significance of the biological (floral and faunal) values of the area that are likely to be impacted by the activities envisaged in the project, it is imperative to understand the ecological characteristics of the area. This is also crucial for enhancing the ability to forecast the impacts of the proposed project. Figure 4 provides a broad understanding of the ecological parameters/ processes that need to be examined for impact forecasting. The life style and the socio-economics of the local human population are also critical factors that shape the ecological environment of any site.

The methodology we have used for the ecological evaluation of the proposed airport site near Lengpui takes into considerations the issues raised above. Spatial and ecological databases are powerful instruments for providing ecological answers. Therefore creation of spatial and ecological databases has been an important step in the ecological evaluation of the project.