PlanToConnect 
Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space
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Overview

Why is it important to integrate biodiversity, climate adaptation and ecological connectivity issues into the spatial planning systems and territorial policies of the Alpine countries? Effects of human activities, infrastructures and climate change increasingly endanger habitats and ecosystem functions. Protected areas are essential for preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. To be effective, they need to be connected by “ecological corridors” to form a coherent network of green and blue infrastructures. The network consists of e. g., rivers, wetlands, meadows, and forests, allowing gene flow, migration and adaptation of species. The PlanToConnect project partners will cooperate with stakeholders in pilot areas to develop and test an Alpine spatial planning strategy for ecological connectivity, and a capacity-building package for its implementation. The aim is to identify the key cross-border areas for planning of ecological connectivity and to facilitate the upgrade of spatial planning systems and territorial policies to preserve or re-establish them.

Factsheet

  • 2021 – 2027
  • Climate resilient and green Alpine region
  • SO 1.2 - Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution
    • AG7 Ecological connectivity
  • 11/2022
  • 10/2025
  • 2.461.927 EUR
  • 1.846.446 EUR

Partners

Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (Lead partner)
  • Lead partner
  • Slovenia
  • Zahodna Slovenija (SI04)
  • Ljubljana
Veneto Region
  • Italy
  • Veneto (ITH3)
  • Venezia
ALPARC – the Network of Alpine Protected Areas
  • France
  • Rhône-Alpes (FRK2)
  • Chambéry
Asters, organisation for the conservation of natural areas in Upper Savoy
  • France
  • Rhône-Alpes (FRK2)
  • Annecy
Eurac Research
  • Italy
  • Provincia Autonoma di Bolzano/Bozen (ITH1)
  • Bolzano
ifuplan – Institute for Environmental Planning and Spatial Development
  • Germany
  • Oberbayern (DE21)
  • München
University of Würzburg
  • Germany
  • Unterfranken (DE26)
  • Würzburg
Salzburg Institute for Regional Planning and Housing
  • Austria
  • Salzburg (AT32)
  • Salzburg
E.C.O. Institute of Ecology Ltd.
  • Austria
  • Kärnten (AT21)
  • Klagenfurt
Municipality of Sondrio
  • Italy
  • Lombardia (ITC4)
  • Sondrio
Fondazione Politecnico di Milano
  • Italy
  • Lombardia (ITC4)
  • Milano
  • 46.043012814.50522085
  • 45.437190812.3345898
  • 45.5638749999999965.925742711213934
  • 45.89923486.1288847
  • 46.494530211.3472734
  • 48.15105211.5788014
  • 49.78235639.9667972
  • 47.82263313.0391533
  • 46.62394314.3075976
  • 46.171129759.871466842316853
  • 45.47780839.2272468

Outcomes


  • Alpine planning strategy for ecological connectivity, harmonized and integrated planning of GBI networks in priority areas

    Comprises guidelines to harmonize GBI networks design within common priority areas, that spatial planning authorities at all levels across the AS can apply to develop a coherent alpine wide GBI network for EC. Proposes an integrated approach to GBI networks implementation, identifies typology of spatial planning instruments/procedures to be considered for its realization and provides guidance on uses that may support/threaten connectivity functions, including RES. Inputs from WP2 and A3.3.

  • Case studies of integrated planning of GBI connectivity networks in pilot sites across administrative boundaries and cross-border areas

    The pilot action consists of conducting several case studies demonstrating in PPs pilot sites of alpine strategic planning areas (A1.1) the applicability of O1.1. Case studies are examples of integrated GBI network planning approaches for ecological connectivity for the creation of GBI network for connectivity at regional/local levels across administrative boundaries and cross-border areas contributing to the implementation of the Alpine planning strategy for ecological connectivity.

  • Training and capacity building system on integrated spatial planning of GBI networks for ecological connectivity

    A comprehensive capacity building and training package is created to guide planning authorities at regional/local level in the design of BGI networks for connectivity. Includes e-modules, technical toolkit and tailored training sessions. Close contact to universities and professional associations to meet the needs of the state-of-the-art spatial planning education. Strong cooperation with AlpPlan network ensures long-term dissemination to stakeholders in the entire Alpine Space.

Pilots


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Project calendar

No upcoming events
    27 - 28 Nov 2023
    Ecological connectivity and spatial planning: From concepts to implementation
    Project: PlanToConnect
    Join the first workshop of the AlpPlan/PlanToConnect Expert Platform on site in Ljubljana or online!
    AlpPlan_PTC_workshop_27_28-11-2023

      Project news

      Workshop report: Ecological connectivity and spatial planning - From concepts to implementation

      29.02.2024
      AlpPlan network and PlanToConnect project jointly hosted the hybrid workshop.

      Launch of the AlpPlan/PlanToConnect Expert Platform

      10.11.2023
      On 2 October 2023, a joint expert platform on green infrastructure, ecological connectivity and spatial planning was launched by the ARL European working group AlpPlan and the Interreg Alpine Space project PlanToConnect.