Planning for landscape connectivity: the prioritised action frameworks for Natura 2000 in the European Alps

The Natura 2000 network is formed by sites selected to protect species and habitats listed in Annexes of the European Birds and Habitats Directives. This network is the most relevant biodiversity conservation effort in Europe. To ensure and plan for nature conservation, the Habitat Directive foresees the possibility of identifying Prioritised Action Frameworks (PAF) either at the national or regional level. PAFs aim at identifying priority conservation needs and linking them to funding possibilities. Planning and setting priorities should consider landscape connectivity by targeting fragmentation and barriers. In the alpine area, Natura 2000 sites may be considered well connected at least between different European countries. Abandonment of remote areas and construction of new infrastructures in valleys and piedmont areas cause barriers leading to changes in traditional landscapes and decreasing landscape connectivity. Hedgerows and river corridors have the potential to connect Natura 2000 sites. Conservation measures should encompass an array of different management actions providing heterogeneous landscapes. Nevertheless, planning and cooperation between regions should be improved to enable cross-boundary connectivity in-light of future issues. Future research and management should give increasing attention to long-distance connectivity (alps-plains), climate change and the spread of invasive alien species. [05/10/16, 15:55:28] Thomas Campagnaro: Campagnaro_Sitzia_Abstract_IALE2015.pd