Module 3: Planning Process

Description of the most important methodological steps for defining the bio-corridors

Due to extensiveness of research of the relevant territory a frequent problem of heterogenous databases of the concerned countries and therefore for supra-regional bio-corridors there is a need to find a method of harmonizing the sequence of individual steps during its defining. For example, during the project of Alps-Carpathian bio-corridors, a scientifically sound approach of using satellite pictures and on this base in large scales to define the potential tracings of bio-corridors had been utilized. Based on the use of detailed data further on the selected area for bio-corridor tracing was researched focusing on specific preconditions and requirements or potentials and limitations stemming from the frameworks defined by relevant spatial/urban planning system.

bears and houses

Source: Photo © Interreg Danube Transnational Programme

Step 1 -- Analysis of the natural conditions and analysis of the natural migration tendencies in the wider territory of the proposed bio-corridor

This step represents professional analytical activity leading to defining the natural preconditions of the territory for bio-corridor functioning and identification of the existing natural migration paths of wildlife species or the trends of their migration. In spite of the fact that this is professional activity, wider cooperation of experts is assumed, representatives of nature protection, hunters and other subjects disposing of relevant knowledge about the territory. Its result is a map of permeability of the territory the existing migration paths and tendencies of wildlife species. Different approaches and methods can be used starting with the evaluation of satellite pictures and ending with the identification of the paths based on wild animal footprints.

Step 2 -- Partial analyses of the referential territory from the point of view of the bio-corridor functioning -- complex territorial analysis

The key factor for determining the existing and potential bio-corridors (required to be restored or newly established as measures for improvement of the eco-connectivity in the landscape) is complex territorial analysis. Within this step, analyses of the referential territory from the point of view of the existing transport and infrastructure objects and tracings, functional land use, settlement structure (built up areas in particular), elements of land cover and other factors relevant for functioning of migration processes of wildlife species in the referential area and consequently the functioning of the existing and potential bio-corridors, are implemented. During this step, too, it is important to cooperate with various subjects disposing of knowledge about the area.

Step 3 -- Analyses of sectoral and comprehensive planning documents

Other information and data documenting the existing status and perspectives of development in the territory such as road network or functional land use can be obtained from analysis of the sectoral documents, cadastre maps etc. This step is therefore in Slovakia focused on analysis of sectoral and synthetizing planning documents with emphasis on urban planning documents, documents on nature and landscape protection, landscape plans, terrestrial system of ecological stability documents, transport development plans, greenery development plans and other planning documents elaborated for the referential territory and superior planning documents. The objective is to identify the development intentions relevant for tracing and functionality of the bio-corridor. Within this step it is crucial to communicate with respective municipalities, bodies of regional self-government, public administration, providers of technical and transport infrastructure and other subjects relevant in the territory.

Step 4 -- Identification of ecological capacity of the landscape and suitability of the land use for species migration -- model of resistance against/permeability for the migration

Based on the rules and knowledge of the ecology the landscape is evaluated from the point of view of its permeability or resistance for wildlife species. Resistance is understood as the level of stress to which species are exposed while migrating throw the landscape. In Slovakia, this is linked to the identification of ecological capacity and its suitability for individual types and intensity of functional land use. This task is highly expert and assumed wide interdisciplinary cooperation. Its results are significant input to the discussion with the public.

Step 5 -- Defining the alternatives of bio-corridor tracing

In relation to the results of the analytical works in the previous steps, within this step the alternatives or variants of bio-corridor tracing, the needs for specific measures, length of bio-bridges or functional land use changes or limits for the development of built up areas are defined. Various scenarios for the tracing and area of bio-corridor can be defined, too.

Step 6 -- Evaluation of the alternative tracings of the bio-corridor

In this step, the alternatives or variants of tracing the bio-corridor are evaluated, in particular regarding their relation to potentials and respecting limitations of the territory for wildlife species migration and other functional land uses and in relation to potential conflicts in the territory. Especially important is transparency and clarity of criteria and their evaluation as these are an input for wider discussion with the stakeholders and a precondition of acceptance of the proposal by the public. In case of Alps-Carpathian bio-corridor a comparison of scenarios was elaborated not only qualitatively, but also through quantitative weighted parameters. An example of these parameters can be landscape resistance which the wildlife species need to overcome during the migration. In optimal case this must be of lowest possible value.

Step 7 -- Selection of the most suitable tracing of the bio-corridor and its incorporation to the terrestrial system of ecological stability

On the basis of the evaluation from the previous step, a selection of the most suitable tracing should take place and this will be implemented into a proposal of terrestrial system of ecological stability. This system is representing by the hierarchic structure eco-centers and their buffer zones interlinked by bio-corridors. The incorporation of particular migration corridor in this network is crucial for effectiveness and efficiency of measures implemented in order to support connectivity in particular migration corridor. In case of 'bottom-up' approach, the critical points, defined during the process of defining the tracing, can be elaborated in greater detail and these can be re-evaluated according to previously enlisted steps on the basis of detailed data and precising the knowledge. Within this process, precising or correcting the tracing of bio-corridor can occur or implementation measures in either core zone or buffer zone of the bio-corridor can be defined.

Step 8 -- Incorporation of bio-corridor tracing proposal to the landscape plan and urban planning documentation

In Austria, incorporation of supra-regional migration corridors of the wildlife species should be implemented in accordance with the valid legislature on regional planning level. For example, for Alps-Carpathian bio-corridor in Burgenland region legally binding measures should be defined in regional development plan. In Lower Austria region the defined relevant changes in laws should be defined in regional and/or sectoral programs of spatial development. This way, the legal frameworks would be determined for local spatial planning on municipality level. Within the planning itself, clearly defined regulations should be formulated in relevant expert documents.

In Slovakia, incorporation on bio-corridor tracing as a part of terrestrial system of ecological stability into the landscape plan is a component of exploratory and analytical part of the master plan preparation. The following procurement and preparation of a master plan is linked with wide public participation in accordance with law act no 50/1976 on spatial planning and building code and law act no. 24/2006 on environmental impact assessment as the land use planning documentation is assessed as a strategic document.

Module 3: Planning Process

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