Die Rolle des Biotopverbundes für Landschaft und Biodiversität

Salzburg

2007

S. 9-16

22 Lit. Ang.

Artikel aus einer ZeitschriftUnselbständiges Werk

200137713

Nature conservation and spatial planning are facing an increasing threat to biodiversity. Fragmentation of landscape, pollution and growing need for urban development, traffic-infrastructure and industry give rise to a serious degradation in ecosystems endangering our resources and the functioning of such ecosystems. In many cases remaining "biotopes" become isolated, followed by species extinction. Natural landscapes have become rather rare in central and western Europe, only areas in high mountainous regions like glaciers or larger bogs and mires remain. But even here the human impact such as climate change, tourism or, at least in some regions, game also impact ecosystems. On the other hand many ecosystems that provide habitats for endangered species depend on human activities, especially traditional agriculture. Pasture land, mountain hay meadows and similar can only survive if they are managed continuously. So there is a need of maintaining a limited agricultural land-use in order to maintain a landscape with its whole range of habitats. This only will be successfui if farmers remain in rural areas, keeping on performing traditional landuse. Landscapes however are not only relevant for biodiversity, they also have individual characteristics of the different regions in Europe, which is, in fact, one of the pillars of European identity. The natural and cultural heritage of Europe are closely linked and find expression in typical and diverse landscapes. Taking into account the multifunctionality of landscapes, the Council of Europe has started several activities to protect or develop European landscapes in a harmonized and sustainable way. Among others, the PEEN and the European Landscape Convention are of the utmost importance. To reach the 2010 target the European Union, too, has started several activities. Implementing Birds and Habitats Directive is seen as most relevant. To ensure the Connectivity of landscapes Art. 10 of EU Habitats Directive is a very important Instrument. And there are other initiatives, too, for instance the Alpine Convention. In consideration of the international level we do have to realise, that concrete action is needed for implementation at national, regional and local level. Many programmes in the fields of nature conservation have already started, but greater effort will be needed, including relevant measures in traffic and spatial planning.