Grenzübergreifender ökologischer Verbund; Réseau écologique transfrontalier; Rete ecologica transfrontaliera; Cezmejna ekoloska povezanost

Topics

• Protected areas

Abstract

The subjects of transboundary protected areas and the creation of spatial connections between the protected areas of the Alps, play a major role in the implementation of the Alpine Convention. Article 12 of the “Nature Protection Protocol” of the Alpine Convention foresees the creation of an ecological network. In this context the Alpine Network of Protected Areas was commissioned by the 27th Alpine Conference in February 2004 with the study “Transboundary Ecological Network”. Only large and ecologically coherent protected areas can assure a long lasting and sustainable protection of the biotic and abiotic natural resources of the Alps and guarantee the natural processes. The protected areas of the 8 member states of the Alpine Convention, and especially the transboundary protected areas, are therefore presented as key elements of an alpine ecological network. The already established spatial connections as well as the thematic cooperation existing by now between adjoining protected areas were inventoried trough interviews and talks with managers and experts. An inventory of different measures and programmes in the field landscape planning, forestry, agriculture, transports and tourism, promoting the creation of ecological connections, existing in the alpine countries was dressed, and used as basis for the analysis and the international comparison of these potentially existing tools to create ecological networks. 8 model areas were chosen and analysed using some indicators to define areas presenting a high potential as possible connection areas between adjoining protected areas. The study presents concrete examples and recommendation on how to improve the connectivity in these areas with little input and appropriated measures. A detailed cartography illustrates these proposals. A series of alpine wide strategies and recommendations were elaborated, suggesting common guidelines, directives and methods for the members of the Alpine Convention. The existing local, regional and national initiatives for a creation of ecological networks should be adjusted in the framework of the Alpine Convention and be integrated in a coherent alpine network to guarantee the functioning of large functional ecological units.

Most relevant parts of the publication

Chapter 4: common bases for the creation of ecological networks in the different countries (p.120-140) Chapter 5: Analysis of 8 model regions through the Alps (p. 140-199) Chapter 6: Recommendations for the creation of an ecological network of protected areas in the Alps (p.206-210)

Journal / Publisher / Institution

Ständiges Sekretariat der Alpenkonvention

Issue / Volume / Number

Alpensignale N. 3

Reference to the original publication

Réseau Alpin des Espaces Protégés, Micropolis - Isatis, 05000 Gap, France www.alparc.org