Abstract
Spatial models for ecological connectivity in mountain ranges on a macro-regional scale have been developed especially for the Alps and the Carpathians in the last years. Using these models, macro-regional strategies were developed, to have a common basis for the improvement of ecological connectivity on a trans-boundary level. However, such an analysis has never been conducted to connect the Alps with the Dinaric mountains. Therefore, the Interreg ADRION DinAlpConnect project addressed the questions of which core areas, ecological corridors and barriers exist for the connection of these two mountain ranges.
With this contribution we will show the first spatial model, simulating the landscape permeability and defining the most important connections between the Alps and the Dinarides, involving eight different countries. The model is following a structural approach based on the Continuum Suitability Index, a specific multi-criteria evaluation, developed in former Interreg Alpine Space projects. It was elaborated using GIS software and integrating evaluations by expert opinions coming from each country involved. Additionally, ecological corridors were modeled using the least-cost-movement paths.
The results are showing the most important ecological conservation areas, intervention areas and barriers. While 82% ecological conservation areas are overlapping with protected areas, non-Eu countries are showing wide gaps of protected landscapes, compared to the member states. It was also revealed, that 36% of protected land is strongly fragmented, in altitudes not suitable for most species, or is facing a high land use pressure in combination with a low protection status. 416 regional ecological corridors were identified and categorized. The main areal barriers are mostly represented by cities and technical land uses.
A macro-regional strategy should be based on these findings and focus on the most important corridors for protection or restoration measures in agriculture, forestry, and spatial planning.