Sustainable development and management of transnational ecological networks in central Europe

Protected areas, like national parks, nature parks or biosphere reserves, are often isolated “islands” for the protection of the world’s biodiversity. They are separated by less or unprotected landscapes, traffic corridors or settlements. Often animal and plant species dispose of less space for migration, dispersion and reproduction than necessary. To preserve natural and cultural heritage in the long run, TransEcoNet strives therefore for a better connection of protected and less or unprotected landscapes across national borders.

TransEcoNet elaborates strategies and gives recommendations how to develop and manage transnational ecological networks in Central Europe. In particular the focus is on less or unprotected landscapes, so-called gaps, between protected areas. The project study areas are situated within or between the wide-ranging ecological networks of the Alps, Carpathians and of the Green Belt. Thus TransEcoNet contributes to the pan-European interlinkage of these ecosystems and to their sustainable territorial development. The project partners are working in the fields of remote sensing, geoinformatics, nature protection, landscape ecology, history of architecture and arts as well as regional and environmental sciences. They analyse and assess transboundary natural landscapes regarding their topology, history and their natural and cultural potentials.

Thereupon they give recommendations and elaborate strategies for a sustainable development of less or unprotected landscapes, for future land use and for the management of ecosystem services they provide. These recommendations and strategies should be adapted by regional planning authorities and protected area administrations in the long run. Additionally, TransEcoNet strengthens people’s awareness for the natural and cultural heritage of transboundary landscapes on local, regional and transnational level by communicating its results on exhibitions, excursions and workshops.