Links to interesting websites - ecological networks

ECNC - European Centre for Nature Conservation

European Ecological Networks: ecological interaction between areas of European importance. Contribute to the establishment of a Pan-European Ecological Network (PEEN), and to analysing its linkages to other sectors involved in areas of biological interest, especially land use. The development of this network is based on common objectives adopted by European states, and builds on the implementation of nature conservation instruments in Europe, in particular the EU Natura 2000 network and the Emerald Network under the Bern Convention.

A running project is to outline the contours of the Pan European Ecological Network in South Eastern Europe (SEE). It will identify:

The core nature areas of European importance in SEE;
Existing corridors between these areas;
Where new corridors could and should be established to meet the connectivity requirements of key species;
The location of buffer zones and stepping stones, when and if required.

Furhter information:

2002:
indicative map for the Central and Eastern European countries, funded under the PIN-MATRA programme, was successfully concluded, contributing significantly to the establishment of PEEN, and promoting the ecological networks in general;
2003:
the Kyiv Resolution on Biodiversity, endorsed at the 5th "Environment for Europe" Ministerial Conference in Kyiv states: "by 2006, the PEEN (core areas, restoration areas, corridors and buffer zones, as appropriate) in all States of the Pan-European region will be identified and reflected on coherent indicative European maps"; and the integration of PEEN into the policies and operations of economic and land use sectors received priority as well.

EUCC - European Union for Coastal Conservation

The Coastal Union is an association with members and member organisations in 40 countries. Founded in 1989 with the aim of promoting coastal conservation by bridging the gap between scientists, environmentalists, site managers, planners and policy makers, it has grown since then into the largest network of coastal practitioners and experts in Europe, with 14 National Branches and offices in seven countries. Our working area is Europe and neighbouring regions (especially the Black Sea, the Caspian and the Mediterranean).

Review of Experience with Ecological Networks, Corridors and Buffer Zones

Review of Experience with Ecological Networks, Corridors and Buffer Zones

by Graham Bennett and Kalemani Jo Mulongoy

A large number of ecological networks have
been developed around the world. However, a
thorough and systematic compilation of information
on ecological networks and their contribution
to conservation and the sustainable use
of biological diversity and sustainable development
was, until now, not available. Against this
background, the Secretariat of the Convention
on Biological Diversity has undertaken this initiative.
This review document contains detailed
information on the development and implementation
of ecological networks in each of the fi ve
UN regions. The examples and case studies provide
a wealth of information on ecological networks.
The study also focuses on lessons learned
and on the suitability of ecological networks for
biodiversity conservation, sustainable use and
poverty alleviation, and on their contribution to
the 2010 target.