In November 2024, the Interreg Alpine Space project PlanToConnect and the AlpPlan – Alpine Spatial Planning Network hosted a midterm workshop entitled Alpine Ecological Networks: Integrating Connectivity into Spatial Planning. The event took place at the University Center Obergurgl, which is part of the University of Innsbruck, in the snow-covered Ötz Valley in Tyrol, Austria.
The aim of the event was to present some first results of the PlanToConnect project as well as to gain feedback and further ideas to advance elaboration of project outputs, most notably the strategy on green infrastructure and ecological connectivity planning for the Alpine region. Project partners, observers, other European projects, EUSALP Action Groups and Alpine Convention Working Groups as well as AlpPlan Network members were invited to attend.
The workshop each day opened with a series of engaging keynote presentations. To name some of them, Jeremy Dertien (iDiv) shared findings from the Horizon Europe NaturaConnect project, highlighting strategies to create a cohesive Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N). Miro Kristan (EUSALP AG 7) explored connectivity goals on a European scale, providing valuable strategic insights. Contributions from Hermann Öggl and Walter Michaeler (Tyrol federal state administration) shed light on the importance of green infrastructure and ecological connectivity within Tyrol, drawing on their work in spatial planning and local nature parks.
The afternoons were dedicated to interactive sessions that aimed at gathering additional information and ideas to inform production of the PlanToConnect outputs. 42 international participants with differing professional backgrounds, including e.g. spatial planners, biologists, forestry experts, geographers, collaborated during these sessions.
In a “future laboratory” setting of the first afternoon session, the participants envisioned ecological connectivity goals for 2050 and mapped out steps to achieve them. During the second afternoon, attendees were divided into three discussion rounds, exploring feasible ways to integrate green and blue infrastructure for ecological connectivity into spatial planning. Each discussion round tackled the topic from a different standing point, focusing on key aspects such as the necessity of ecological connectivity, the role of landscape and spatial planning, and the use of plans and analytical planning tools.
The workshop facilitated meaningful discussions on the critical role of ecological connectivity in the sustainable development of the Alps, highlighting the importance of integrating it into spatial planning. We are especially thankful for the participation and valuable input of all attendees.
Further information about the workshop results will be available on the PlanToConnect and AlpPlan websites. Presentations are published in the outputs section on this website.