selectiegebied

Selectiegebied is a Dutch term that literally translates to “selection area.” It is used in various professional fields to denote a geographically bounded area in which selection processes are or can be applied. The exact meaning depends on the domain, but common uses include planning, conservation, research, and breeding.

In ecology and conservation, een selectiegebied can refer to a habitat or landscape unit where management actions are designed to influence which species or genotypes prevail, for example during habitat restoration, protected-area design, or selective removal of individuals. In genetics and plant or animal breeding, the term is used for a defined region where candidates are selected according to predefined criteria (for example traits, performance, or genetic markers) to advance lines or varieties. In land-use planning and policy, a selectiegebied may designate zones where specific selection criteria apply to development, zoning, or biodiversity targets.

Geospatial tools, such as GIS, are often used to delineate and manage selectiegebieden as polygons. The concept emphasizes targeted selection rather than general planning over a larger area, and the boundaries can be adjusted as goals or data change. The term is not tied to a single discipline and should be interpreted from the context of its field.