Ecological Continuum Initiative: Catalysing and Multiplying Alpine Connectivity
In June 2007 ALPARC, CIPRA, ISCAR, and WWF have initiated the Ecological Continuum Initiative to lay the foundations for the long-term implementation of a coherent ecological network in the Alps. A joint alpine set of methodologies for connecting important areas and a catalogue of possible measures to enhance connectivity have been developed. In addition, four pilot regions have been chosen across the Alpine arc to carry out first concrete implementation actions. These activities will include, for example, zoning measures, protected area enlargement based on the needs of ecological systems, creation of ecological corridors and sustainable use agreements with farmers, foresters, hunters or tourism operators.
One crucial part of the efforts is to be seen in informing decision makers at the local, regional, national and international level on the importance of the ecological continuum. This is a pre-condition for considering biodiversity aspects appropriately in planning and policy decisions. For this, a profound and coherent communication strategy has been prepared. Ultimately, the Continuum Initiative provides the foundation for the work of the Platform “Ecological Network” of the Alpine Convention to further develop regional and cross-boundary connectivity projects within the Alps.
In 2009, the emphasis of the Ecological Continuum Initiative lay on the preparation of awareness raising activities in the UN year of Biodiversity 2010, on the further development and dissemination of already existing instruments and results as well as on the conception for an Alps-wide competence network. Close cooperation with the Platform Ecological Network of the Alpine Convention and with the ECONNECT project continued playing an important role. The Consortium partners will also integrate with the national initiatives like “Trame verte et bleue” in France or REN in Switzerland.
The Ecological Continuum Initiative is financed by the Swiss MAVA Foundation for Nature.