PlanToConnect

Ecological connectivity is a fundamental tool for the protection of biodiversity, yet it is currently not adequately included in Alpine spatial planning systems. The existing protected areas are created for keeping up biodiversity and ecosystem functions but, to be effective, they need to be connected among them through an ecological network. As long as it is not implemented, harmonized and managed by Alpine countries, this structure of ecological connectivity is currently threatened by the effects of human presence, anthropogenic infrastructure, and climate change. Therefore, the PlanToConnect project will foster the consideration of ecological connectivity into the spatial planning systems of the alpine countries. It will develop and test a planning strategy as well as capacity-building activities to integrate biodiversity and ecological connectivity in spatial planning tools and policies. This joint development will contribute to the enhancement of a coherent network of green and blue infrastructures in the Alps.