Pilots

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  Goriška statistical region/Intermunicipal area Tolmin, Kobarid, Bovec

  The wider geographical scope of the case study is the Goriška statistical region; part of the activities will be implemented in a narrower, intermunicipal area of Tolmin, Kobarid, and Bovec. The case study is firstly oriented into informing and raising awareness of stakeholders at the local and regional level about the significance of ecological connectivity and its integration into spatial planning instruments. This intention results from a perceived lack of recognition of the concept that characterizes the current situation in the pilot area, and the absence of the topic in the valid municipal spatial plans. Green and blue infrastructure connectivity network will be addressed at the regional and municipal level. At the regional level, the elaborated materials should provide background to including ecological corridors into the regional spatial plan, and at the local level into (inter)municipal spatial plans. Within the intermunicipal area of Tolmin, Kobarid, and Bovec, the aim is to connect the Natura 2000 areas Trnovski forest – Nanos (which includes the Upper Idrijca Landscape Park) and Julian Alps (which includes the Triglav National Park and the Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve). Preliminary considerations of barriers and threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas suggest that economic infrastructure, settlements, road infrastructure, and agricultural activities (especially cattle, sheep, and goat breeding) may pose significant challenges. Additionally, an increase in attacks by wild animals (such as bears, wolves, and jackals) on herds of livestock, both in protected and unprotected areas, has been observed, resulting in considerable damage to animal breeders.  

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  Wetlands of the Caorle lagoon system

  The purpose of this case study is to identify strategic Green Infrastructure (GBI) elements prioritizing connectivity areas within the inter-municipal territory of Caorle, San Michele al Tagliamento, and Concordia Sagittaria. These areas are currently managed under the governance setting of a voluntary agreement known as the "Wetland Contract," aimed at regulating the use of natural capital. The study aims to assess the effectiveness and coherence of current provincial and municipal ecological network plans, as well as other related sector plans and policies. Additionally, it seeks to propose revisions or upgrades to these plans. Moreover, the study intends to enhance the Wetland Contract and its action plan concerning the conservation and restoration of connectivity, including defragmentation, habitat improvement, new habitat creation, invasive species management, and regulation of land uses. The geographical scope of the study encompasses the inter-municipal area of the Caorle Lagoon system and its surroundings. Current barriers and expected threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas include infrastructural developments that fragment the territory, direct pressures on habitat caused by human-induced actions or events, and indirect pressures resulting from economic, cultural, societal, or institutional factors. Additionally, climate change pressures on habitats are anticipated to contribute to these challenges. The connectivity objectives in Veneto entail identifying key conservation and restoration areas for target species and ecological functions within the pilot area. This analysis will consider the pilot area as part of the regional connectivity network and prioritize planning areas accordingly.

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  Alpine Space

  The purpose of this case study is to address observed difficulties in coordination across different territorial levels and challenges related to data harmonization in identifying Green Infrastructure (GBI) components, as each alpine country utilizes different methodologies and tools. ALPARC aims to align with Alpine Convention protocols and Alpine level spatial planning instruments. The geographical scope of the study involves different zones of the Alps, as ALPARC is currently working on a pilot case within this region. Current barriers and expected threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas include infrastructural developments that fragment the territory, such as urban sprawl, landscape fragmentation, and artificialization. Direct pressures on habitat arise from disturbances to wildlife caused by overtourism and land use conflicts. Indirect pressures or contributing factors include a lack of knowledge and the impacts of climate change, such as landscape modification, floods, permafrost melting, and severe drought. The connectivity objectives of the ALPARC case study are to analyze ecological connectivity in relation to current land use in the selected zones and to identify major barriers and threats to connectivity within these zones. The current status of connectivity in the pilot territory includes areas that are considered protected, although not all are under strong protection status. An analysis of activities currently being conducted in these areas is underway as part of the study.

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  South of Lake Annecy

  The study, design and monitoring of the green and blue infrastructure network will be carried out around Lake Annecy which is made up of several protected natural areas which need to be connected to each other. 

  The issue is even more important as the corridors which connect the natural spaces are identified as important at the regional level. 

  The PlanToConnect project, aimed at studying and characterizing the landscape frameworks, will make it possible to better understand the issues of ecological connectivity on the pilot site and consequently to define restoration measures adapted to improve the attractiveness of habitats and the functionality of corridors. 

  Asters plans to carry out a study of ecological connectivity and the functionality of eco-landscape networks. This involves modeling using GIS a connectivity network in the pilot site around Lake Annecy, considering the connectivity objectives at the alpine scale. This work, in connection with the RECO-Crapauds project, will be accompanied by site visits, to finally, take the form of a cartographic report identifying the landscape elements connecting the protected natural areas which border the Lake. The objective is to better understand the issues of ecological connectivity on the pilot site and to design operational measures to improve the attractiveness of habitats and the functionality of corridors.  

   

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  South Tyrol

  The purpose of this case study is to develop a Green Infrastructure (GBI) connectivity network in the Autonomous Province of Bolzano - South Tyrol, addressing the absence of a formal or informal Ecological Connectivity (EC) concept in the region. The study aims to propose an EC concept for the new provincial territorial strategic plan, utilizing the macro-regional structural model of the PlanToConnect project. Specifically, it analyzes the ecological connectivity for target species at the provincial level to formulate a detailed proposal for the new provincial landscape guidelines. Furthermore, the study focuses on implementation measures to integrate ecological linkages into the municipal development program. The geographical scope of the study encompasses the Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, with consideration given to connections to surrounding regions. Current barriers and expected threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas include infrastructural developments that fragment the territory, particularly in the valley bottoms. These developments include transportation infrastructure such as roads and railways, with four motorway barriers identified for macro-corridors. Urbanization processes pose threats to four macro-regional linkages. Additionally, direct pressures on habitat arise from intensive agriculture practices in valley bottoms, especially in the Adige Valley and Val Venosta, where agricultural intensification has extended approximately 15 km in the last 70 years, creating a growing barrier. Ski resorts and tourism activities at higher altitudes also contribute to habitat degradation. Indirect pressures or contributing factors include cultural and economic factors, such as land use conflicts with agriculture or tourism, which could potentially impede the implementation of measures for connections of green infrastructure. Furthermore, a lack of resources in specific planning offices to dedicate time to this topic is identified as a challenge. 

   

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  Naturpark Nagelfluhkette and its northern foothills

  The case study focuses on improving ecological connectivity between Naturpark Nagelfluhkette and its northern foothills through the establishment of a Green Infrastructure (GBI) connectivity network. It aims to develop a proposal for future local management of connectivity networks based on a thorough analysis of local threats and network design. The geographical scope of the study encompasses the inter-municipal area comprising Durach, Sulzberg, Waltenhofen, Buchenberg, administrative association Weitnau, administrative association Argental, Verwaltungsgemeinschaft Stiefenhofen, Immenstadt i.Allgäu, and Oberstaufen. Current barriers and expected threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas include infrastructural developments that fragment the territory, such as higher-ranking road infrastructure (B308, B19), larger settlements like Immenstadt, and the two-rail railway line Kempten-Lindau. Additionally, direct pressures on habitats stem from intensive agriculture (grassland), tourism and recreation, and traffic. Indirect pressures, such as slope instability south of Immenstadt, and the impacts of climate change on habitats, also pose significant challenges. The connectivity objectives revolve around safeguarding and enhancing connectivity between Naturpark Nagelfluhkette, its foothills, and extending beyond to the peri-Alpine area. The current status of connectivity in the pilot territory for the target species and ecological processes has not been fully assessed. However, preliminary observations suggest compromised connectivity beyond the Nature Park due to transport infrastructure and intensive pastures, while forested areas serve as crucial corridors for existing connectivity networks.

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  Planungsregion 17 «Oberland«

  The purpose of this case study is to establish analytical fundamentals for spatial planning in Upper Bavaria, particularly within the planning region number 17 “Oberland,” with the aim of creating a functional connectivity network and green belts. This study considers all connected topics and intends to assess the coherence of current provincial and municipal ecological network plans. The outcomes will inform proposals for their revision or upgrade in pilot areas. The geographical scope of the study is focused on South Bavaria within the region of Upper Bavaria, specifically within the planning region number 17 “Oberland.” Current barriers and expected typologies of threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas are not exhaustively addressed at this point and require discussion in the RCWGs workshops. The connectivity objectives in Oberland aim to identify key planning gaps and evaluate instruments such as “landschaftliche Vorbehaltsgebiete” and regional green belts. The analysis will assess how fragmented instruments can cover multiple land use functions. The current status of connectivity in the pilot territory for the target species and ecological processes indicates that the basics for instruments for spatial planning exist, such as landscape framework planning. However, these instruments are not updated in the regions, and biotope-connectivity planning is also not implemented.

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  Trilateral transboundary pilot site (Austria-Italy-Slovenia)

  The purpose of this case study is to create a harmonized transboundary Green Infrastructure (GBI) network connecting loose ends and different corridor approaches, serving as a basis for transboundary cooperation and enhancing transboundary conservation coordination. Simultaneously, the study aims to establish administrative and technical contacts for exchange and coordinated spatial development in the area. The technical proposal seeks to address key bottlenecks and gaps based on ongoing and future developments, including better integration of the GBI network into local planning, highlighting existing spatial planning instruments suitable for integration, and establishing mechanisms for transboundary coordination. The geographical scope of the study covers the cross-border area encompassing Prealpi Guilie Nature Park (and Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve), Triglav National Park (and Julian Alps Biosphere Reserve), Dobratsch Nature Park, and all municipalities between these areas. Current barriers and expected typologies of threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas include infrastructural developments that fragment the territory, such as linear traffic infrastructure (highways, railways) and settlements (expansion, industrial area development). Potential threats include wind park developments and agri-photovoltaic projects. Other direct pressures on habitat arise from intensive development, including soil sealing in the vicinity of municipalities, industrial development, and potentially intensified agriculture in valley areas and intensive forestry, particularly in Austria. Indirect pressures or contributing factors include the development of the Alpe-Adria economic space through railway and economic cooperation. Climate change pressures on habitats include increased natural disasters such as wind breaks, bark beetle infestations, wildfires, and floodings due to heavy rainfalls, particularly in mountainous areas with steep slopes. The connectivity objectives are to develop a harmonized transboundary GBI network map as a common working basis and tool to support transboundary coordination of ecological connectivity and conservation. This involves identifying gaps and barriers based on emblematic common species and functional connectivity using the SACA approach, with a particular focus on connecting different national corridor systems. The network proposal should also include development hotspots threatening connectivity and propose corresponding solutions, such as subprojects and spatial planning instruments, as well as mechanisms for transboundary coordination. The current status of connectivity in the pilot territory indicates comparatively good connectivity throughout the area due to low population density, remote areas, and many protected areas. Gaps and barriers are mostly limited to spaces in the valleys near settlements.

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  Province of Sondrio, Lombardy

  The purpose of this case study is to create a multi-functional Green Infrastructure (GBI) connectivity network in the province of Sondrio, focusing on the relationships between the Adda river valley, lateral valleys, mountain slopes, and strategic nodes and paths of the proposed spatial framework. Based on the outcomes, the study aims to assess the coherence of the current provincial coordination plan and other planning tools in force in the study area and propose revisions or upgrades in pilot areas. The geographical scope of the study covers the province of Sondrio in Lombardy, encompassing the catchment of the first course of the Adda river and corresponding to the geo-historical region of Valtellina. Current barriers and expected typologies of threats to connectivity conservation and restoration areas include infrastructural developments such as road and rail infrastructures on the Adda valley floor, as well as road infrastructures on the lateral valley floor. Other direct pressures on habitat arise from tourism, particularly related to winter tourism, with a high density of ski resorts and accommodation facilities, and the presence of linear conurbation trends, industrial and commercial settlements, especially on the valley floors. Indirect pressures or contributing factors include the abandonment of traditional mountain activities such as agriculture and forestry. Climate change pressures on habitats include rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, which are reducing the extent of existing glaciers, affecting permafrost, and modifying the snow cycle, with multiple impacts on habitats. The connectivity objectives in the province of Sondrio are to identify key multi-functional connectivity areas and paths based on natural, rural, and historical/cultural values, while taking into account existing tools provided by multi-level plans. The current status of connectivity in the pilot territory for the target species and ecological processes indicates a plurality of ecological networks at the regional, provincial, and sub-provincial levels, addressing the need to connect slopes with high habitat quality through a heavily urbanized valley floor.