Module 0: Introduction

RESTORING AND MANAGING ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS IN MOUNTAINS AS THE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE DANUBE BASIN

  • The principal Module for the harmonization of the biodiversity and Spatial Planning processes

1 Advice

Before you attempt to study this e-learning course modules, please make sure that you understand the entire project ConnectGREEN. Lots of a complementary knowledge which will help you to understand the course can be derived from studying the recommended readings and materials. For understanding this Module effectively and retaining the target groups' interest, you need to include, where ever you can, local examples of good or bad practice. Use also your specific professional knowledge to illustrate the points and findings arising from videos. You can also contact the author of the e-learning course and ask for a consultation.

2 Tasks for self-study

For the self-study we recommend several materials which are connected with following modules:

  • The ConnectGREEN project`s deliverables especially the strategic

    materials

  • The materials deepening the knowledge about the concept of

    ecological corridors and biodiversity

  • The materials deepening the knowledge about multiactors decision

    making

  • The materials dealing with the assessment of green infrastructure

  • The materials dealing with urban landscape quality aspects and

    quality of life aspects

  • Formal and informal instruments in respective planning culture used

    for optimization of biodiversity

  • National specific materials on Spatial Planning processes and

    biodiversity

These are some other tasks we recommend you to undertake:

  • Discuss with others the awareness on the disharmonization of biodiversity and spatial planning within professional planners´ community

  • Discuss with others the context of biodiversity concept`s issues under specific local conditions

  • Discuss with others what are the main political and methodological approaches in the field of green infrastructure management

  • Survey the available books, WebPages, articles, concerning the best practice in the field of implementing ecological corridors

  • Discuss with others and write down the lessons what to do and what not to do that you learned while researching the case studies

SIDE INFORMATION

The Danube-Carpathian region is one of Europe´s last remaining strongholds for the large carnivore species: grey wolf, Eurasian lynx and brown bear, protected under EU law. Unfortunately, the planned infrastructure developments threaten to cut through the movement corridors of large carnivores and increase the fragmentation of their habitats.

mountains and green plain

Source: Photo © Thomas Hulik/WWF

Very few spatial planners have the knowledge and experience to ensure that conflicts between development and nature conservation are minimized as they develop new plans. More importantly, legally binding mechanisms taking into consideration the requirements of functioning ecological corridors are poorly implemented, mainly because of the lack of reliable data. These effects require a coherent transnational approach as the large carnivores frequently move across state borders in search of food, mates or other needs.

Thorough ConnectGREEN project, partners from different countries and various fields of activity (spatial planning, research, government, biodiversity conservation) joined forces to increase the capacity of ecological corridors identification and management and to overcome the conflict between infrastructure development and wildlife conservation. Valuable knowledge and experience will be made available to spatial planners and vice versa for finding the best ways to develop infrastructure and other plans in order secure ecological connectivity in the Carpathians.

GENERAL PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The main objective of ConnectGREEN project, which lasts from 2018 to 2021 is to maintain, respectively improve the ecological connectivity between natural habitats, especially between Natura 2000 sites and other protected areas of transnational relevance in the Carpathian ecoregion, namely in Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Ukraine.

people in forest

Source: Photo © Mac Stone/WWF-US

Specifically, the project aims at:

  • Developing innovative solutions and guidance to identify ecological corridors and connectivity gaps in a harmonized way across the Carpathian ecoregion to maintain long-term, cross-border wildlife movement, associated ecosystem services and a high level of biodiversity in the region.

  • Engaging protected area and Natura 2000 site managers, conservationists, spatial planners and other key stakeholders in an integrated approach for strengthening the capacity for identifying and managing ecological corridors.

  • Reconciling nature conservation and spatial planning and development in ecological corridors and Natura 2000 sites by identifying and implementing strategic directions and instruments and practices.

LONG TERM SOLUTIONS FOR WILDLIFE MOVEMENTS

The ecological corridors will be identified in more detail by using the new Carpathian-wide methodology in 4 transnationally relevant pilot sites:

  1. Piatra Craiului National Park (Romania);

  2. Apuseni-SW Carpathians (Romania) / National Park Djerdap (Serbia);

  3. Western Carpathians (Czech Republic -- Slovakia)

  4. Bükk National Park (Hungary) / Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area (Slovakia)

schematic map

Source: Photo © Interreg Danube Transnational Programme

Maintaining or restoring ecological corridors will secure a viable population of large carnivores in the Carpathians and maintain one of the largest biodiversity hotspots and functioning ecosystems on the continent. Moreover, this new joint approach is meant to accelerate the implementation processes and put into practice much-awaited infrastructure developments that faces the risk of being delayed due to non-conformity with safety and environmental standards.

WEB REFERENCES

http://www.alpenkarpetenkorridor.at, Alpen-Karpaten-Korridor

http://europa.eu, Europäische Union

http://www.bmvit.gv.at, Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Innovation und Technologie

http://www.burgenland.at, Land Burgenland

http://www.interreg-danube.eu/

http://www.noel.gv.at, Land Niederösterreich

http://www.raumordnung-noe.at, Raumordnung Niederösterreich