Abstract
The European Biodiversity Strategy 2030 aims to enhance biodiversity to guarantee ecosystem services and ecological integrity. The Natura2000 network should ensure the ecological continuum of nature but rarely have there been attempts to identify and implement a Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N). The EuBIOCOR project was born to design a coherent and resilient TEN-N, check its current state of the art, and identify locations where concrete on-the-ground interventions could be done to improve it. The CSI GIS model design approach aims at: a) identifying the most important areas for species conservation; b) creating a resistance layer which contains values of permeability for biodiversity; c) creating a network of potential corridors at macro-regional level; d) individuate possible areas of restauration, and define measures with local stakeholders; e) create a replicable modus operandi. The results show that 13% of the EU territory is represented by the most important sites for connectivity, while 8% of it is a barrier, requiring on-site investigations and definition of proper measures. At local level, in Bavaria (Germany), main goal was defining specific measures to increase the suitability for less mobile species and create a denser network of steppingstone habitats. Using the LARCH GIS Model, and public participation processes, specific measures have been identified and will soon be implemented.
EuBIOCOR wants to deliver a roadmap for transferring knowledge into practice, contextualising results, and operating the TEN-N. All the knowledge produced will be used to inform policy and decision makers to enhance resilience of TEN-N across Europe.