Abstract
Ecological connectivity plays a fundamental role for the protection of biodiversity, but regional administrations have not yet fully and adequately included ecological network concepts in Alpine spatial planning systems. Network plans are rarely harmonized across borders, some are lacking, and many countries use different approaches for connectivity analysis.
Therefore, the Interreg Alpine Space PlanToConnect project elaborated a scenario for an alpine-wide ecological network using a structural approach. Areas valuable for conservation measures from existing studies were the starting point to evaluate their protection status and connect them with potential ecological linkages, applying the least-cost-path approach. To prove their plausibility, they were cross-checked with existing connectivity concepts and by consulting planning authorities. Based on the network scenario, priority linkages and main anthropogenic barriers were identified.
Results show that, in the EUSALP territory, 8,1% of highly suitable areas for conservation are not protected. 953 potential linkages were mapped, of which approximately 50% are highly important to keep the network connected. One third of the potential linkages are passing through bottlenecks caused by urbanization, which are assumed to be at risk of getting lost. To realize the potential structural network, it would be needed to dismantle 152 motorway barriers and restore 160 corridor sections with a low landscape permeability caused by various anthropogenic barriers, some of which represent solar panel fields.
Regional and national spatial planning administrations can use the model for transboundary ecological network harmonization and for realizing priority interventions to create a coherent ecological network in the Alps.