Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Alpine Space

Date of latest update: 2025-11-11

Description

Description (EN):

Promoting ecological connectivity is an important option to enable dynamic adaptation processes in ecosystems, and thus to combat the decline in biodiversity and preserve ecosystem functions, especially in view of the changing climatic conditions. While protected areas are well established, their connection through green and blue infrastructure/ecological corridors suffers from significant planning gaps, missing implementation and emerging threats, such as renewable energy production. An overarching connectivity planning concept guiding corridor implementation across alpine regions is currently missing. Therefore, regional networks, including design of corridors, need to be harmonized and planning systems upgraded to move from conventional land-use planning to more ecosystem function approaches. Know-how and experience developed by PlanToConnect and from previous Alpine Space projects (e.g. ALPBIONET2030, OpenSpaceAlps) will be applied to, and tested in, ecological network planning in the partner regions, a step towards the development of a coherent network of green and blue infrastructures throughout the Alpine Space. An Alpine planning strategy for ecological connectivity identifying common priority planning areas and a comprehensive capacity building package (guidelines, toolbox and hands-on training system) for harmonized implementation of priority ecological corridors will be jointly developed by the project staff, planners and policy makers and tested in pilot areas throughout the Alpine Space. The focus will be to modernize the planning systems across the Alpine region by integrating biodiversity, climate and ecological connectivity issues in spatial planning tools and sector policies. A transnational working group will guarantee the transferability of project outputs and their durability after the project closure. Working with the Alpine Convention bodies and EUSALP action groups is expected to increase their relevance and facilitate dissemination.

Actual Achievements (EN):

In the first reporting period, project work was mainly oriented towards: - settling the formalities and creating organisational preconditions for project implementation - detailing the content of work packages and links between them - elaborating the concepts and first drafts for activities and deliverables, as well as - implementing the activities based on the above. Work package »Knowledge base for green and blue infrastructure connectivity planning« started with extensive conceptual work. Related to definition of priority areas for ecological connectivity planning, proposals for definitions of technical terms, sectors and levels to be analysed were elaborated. A mapping methodology was devised and implementation started. A first analysis was conducted on potential regional ecological corridors on an Alpine-wide level. Where relevant, experiences and results from former projects on ecological connectivity in the Alpine Space and more widely were considered. Research of green and blue infrastructure typologies was done as well, and a draft proposal for part of the Alpine area devised. The working process was inclusive, with extensive bilateral and multilateral exchanges in meetings and by means of written communication, enabling the project partners to contribute and give feedback in single steps. Activities in work package »Implementing green and blue infrastructure networks for connectivity« were strongly oriented towards definition of pilot site boundaries and case study objectives, as well as into identification and contacting of stakeholders. There are nine pilot sites in the project, three are transboundary and six of intermunicipal character. A map with pilot site boundaries was elaborated. A check was made as to existence of priority areas for ecological connectivity planning of transnational significance in the pilot sites. Adjustments needed to be made in three of the cases. Project partners started with presenting the PlanToConnect project to target groups in the pilot sites and collecting information about planning for connectivity. Initial GIS analyses were performed. Draft guidelines with questions on how the topic of ecological connectivity is currently addressed in spatial planning at national/regional and pilot site levels, and on instruments and processes which could support connectivity implementation, were developed. They will be used by the project partners to collect information needed for working in the pilot sites. The activities of work package »Capacity building, training and knowledge transfer« are oriented toward target groups and entail several communication rationales and formats. Steps to establish regional connectivity working groups have started for the majority of the pilot sites, project partners e.g. contacted the stakeholders and held initial meetings or workshops. A guidance for drafting workplans for each of the groups was devised. Preparatory activities for setting up a transnational expert working group on ecological connectivity and spatial planning took place. Based on consultations in the partnership and with the observer organisation ARL it was decided to name it the »AlpPlan expert platform on green infrastructure, ecological connectivity and spatial planning«. A basic concept for the platform was elaborated and discussed. Potential organisations and individuals to involve in the further process were identified by all project partners. Further, a date was decided and initial organisational activities started for the first on-site event of the platform to be held in Ljubljana, Slovenia in November 2023. Partners engaged in presenting the project to audiences beyond those to be involved in the project activities, such as at the AlpPlan workshop “Advancing Green Infrastructure Planning in the Alpine region“ (08/11/2022, Vienna, Austria) and at the EUSALP Annual Forum (24/11/2022, Trento, Italy), as well as at meetings of other platforms and working groups relevant for ecological connectivity and spatial planning in the Alps. Articles about the PlanToConnect project were published in the magazines RETICULA (published by ISPRA), einBLICK (University of Wuerzburg) and SIR-Info magazin (SIR). Work package 1 Knowledge base for green and blue infrastructure connectivity planning The key task to construct a concept for priority planning areas for ecological connectivity and to define potential regional ecological linkages was achieved by preparing an initial proposal and then refining the network at an Alpine wide scale. A basis was built for the barrier analysis, identification of urbanization threats, elaboration of the catalogue of green and blue infrastructure elements, and a further prioritization of potential ecological linkages. During the refinement process, project partners were in contact with planning authorities at regional and national level, which raised awareness of ecological connectivity and the Alps-wide network in general. The Web GIS map for the network refinement reached 363 views, presumably also by stakeholders outside the project consortium. Work package 2 Implementing green and blue infrastructure networks for connectivity All project partners are working with pilot areas/case studies. The partners identified and collected the documents and GIS data of the existing GBI/ecological network plans in their countries. Based on this, a general picture of network planning at the transalpine level was constructed. Initial analyses focused on comparing the methodological approaches used to identify connectivity areas and to assess consistency between plans. The resulting "mosaic" has been compared with the connectivity scenario developed in A1.1. Based on the analysis of the state of the art in network planning in their country and its comparison with the connectivity scenario produced in A1.1 the partners could verify the boundaries of the pilot area and the object and purpose of the case study. Case studies address different planning levels according to situation in the country/region. Based on case study definition, project partners worked to identify relevant stakeholders to cooperate with. Contacts were established and different types of communication held, such as through meetings or workshops. Initial regional connectivity working groups were set up and the project and case study content discussed. Partners also worked with observers and/or key stakeholders. Work package 3 Capacity building, training and knowledge transfer Progress was made for all three "strands" of inputs for the training system: knowledge and findings from the project internal activities, inputs from the local/regional/national level stakeholders and involving the transnational level. The project internal work has been characterised by extensive communication, exchange of information, coordination and integrated working. Setting up the regional connectivity working groups started and is variously advanced in partners' pilot sites; from preparatory activities being done to establishing preliminary working groups and holding first meetings. As to integration of the experts from the transnational level, the AlpPlan/PlanToConnect platform on green infrastructure, ecological connectivity and spatial planning was set up. The mission and objectives document was elaborated and discussed at the launch event which was held on 02/10/2023. Further activities of the network were planned and preparation started. Management and communication Three on-line project partner and/or steering group meetings were organised (30/05/2023, 16/10/2023, 25/10/2023). The topics were: (1) overview of the first half year of project implementation and look ahead; (2) partner change procedure; (3) overview of activities implemented in period 2. Work package and activity leads meetings were convened on a regular basis; eight were implemented in the reporting period to exchange information, plan and coordinate activities and discuss content related and organisational issues. A to do list was set up and implementation of tasks monitored. In July 2023, meetings of UIRS team with individual project partners were held to discuss any open issues related to project implementation. Six partners responded to the initiative. In the field of finances, monitoring of expenditure at project level was performed by LP UIRS and information provided to partners at project meetings. Payment of preparation cost lump sums to partners was effectuated. LP UIRS continued to manage and maintain the project website and the web platform for storing and exchange of documents, as well as provide technical support to partners. Maintenance of the project mailing lists was further ensured. A list of communication support tools was compiled and verified with project partners. Work package 1 Knowledge base for green and blue infrastructure connectivity planning The mapping report of priority connectivity areas for spatial planning including a green and blue infrastructure (GBI) typology catalogue (D.1.1.1) was elaborated. It encompasses a procedure for and results of mapping priority connectivity areas for spatial planning at an Alps-wide level, a barrier analysis and insights to some regional specificities, the above mentioned catalogue of typologies of GBI connectivity elements, and recommendations for providing a coherent ecological network in the Alpine Space through spatial, landscape, and transport planning. The findings, especially those related to the priority connectivity areas mapping, were presented on several occasions, such as at the AlpPlan/PlanToConnect expert platform workshop on ecological connectivity and spatial planning and at meetings of the regional connectivity working groups (RCWGs). All necessary geographical data and information for the story maps and for integration into the JECAMI web-map application (D.1.1.2) were produced. Draft story maps are available from https://arcg.is/1Duyyu. As a result of desk research and an internal workshop, an initial structure for the Alpine planning strategy for ecological connectivity, harmonized and integrated planning of GBI networks in priority areas (O1.1) was devised, and stakeholders to be involved in its elaboration, as well as target groups for the final product preliminarily defined. For the other activities, that is identification of (in)compatible anthropogenic uses (A1.2), threats analysis (A1.3), and integration of GBI elements in spatial planning (A1.4), conceptual and intermediate working steps were performed. Work package 2 Implementing green and blue infrastructure networks for connectivity The transnational report on planning instruments and processes for GBI network planning and implementation in the Alps (D2.1.1) was produced. It provides an overview of the current policy framework and planning practices on GBI networks and ecological connectivity in the EU and in the EUSALP macro-region. Challenges and opportunities for a better integration of these networks into spatial planning instruments and for their harmonization across administrative and cross-border areas in the Alpine Space are described as well. For the case studies, input for RCWGs' activities was prepared (D.2.1.2). The reports are in the national languages of the partners and entail information about e.g., case study objectives and workplan, stakeholders to be involved, ecological connectivity status and planning. Several partners worked on designing GBI connectivity networks in pilot areas. The methods were presented and discussed at a partner meeting. A framework for comparing the approaches to connectivity planning was set up. Work package 3 Capacity building, training and knowledge transfer Workplans for RCWGs were prepared for all case studies. They are included in D.2.1.2 reports of partners. Six RCWG meetings and workshops were held by PPs RV, EURAC, JMU, ECO and LP UIRS. Forms of cooperation with stakeholders further included interviews, meetings and e-mail exchange. Descriptions of case studies were elaborated and published on the project website. Potentials and possibilities of capacity building systems were researched as a basis for development of the training system (O2.1). A two-day transnational hybrid workshop of the AlpPlan/PlanToConnect expert platform entitled “Ecological connectivity and spatial planning: From concepts to implementation” was held. 35 participants attended the event on site and 23 online. They came from the science and research sphere, public administration, as well as planning practice. The themes encompassed the concepts, modelling and scales of the Alpine green infrastructure, and advancing the Alpine spatial planning with an integrated nature protection approach. The mission statement of the AlpPlan/PlanToConnect expert platform was adopted at the workshop as well. Management and communication Two on-site partner and steering group meetings were held in the reporting period. Meetings of work package and activity leads were convened on a monthly basis. A to do list was set up to inform implementation and enable monitoring of the project activities; it was made available to partners via the web platform for sharing documents. A project report for period 2 entailing finances and content related descriptions was elaborated. The requisite amendments were performed as a response to the clarification request of the Joint secretariat, Monitoring of expenditure was carried out and information provided at the project steering group meetings. Payment of ERDF shares for periods 2 and 3 to project partners was effectuated. The requisite steps related to partner change were performed. The project website was updated with information on pilot case studies and with finalized deliverables. Work package 1 Knowledge base for green and blue infrastructure connectivity planning The publishing of mapping results on the potential ecological network for the Alpine region on the WebGIS platforms was accomplished, including on the JECAMI platform. The story maps in English and in the partner languages were finalised and made available in WebGIS as well. The threats report on alpine ecological connectivity, renewable energies and upcoming spatial needs (D.1.3.1) comprises two parts. The focus of the first part is on assessment of the major threats to green and blue infrastructure connectivity networks. Demand for energy, especially from renewable sources, is increasing and therefore potential conflicts with ecological connectivity are highlighted. The second part reports on a policy screening at the European, national (Alpine countries), and federal state level. The framework conditions, as well as impacts on ecological connectivity related to policies and projects in the fields of (renewable) energy, transport, nature protection, spatial planning and selected other policy fields, are outlined. 112 policy documents were collected and analysed. Whereas the results are not comprehensive, they provide a solid overview of the current policy framework and served as one of the inputs to the threats report. Progress was made in relation to the Alpine planning strategy for ecological connectivity elaboration. On the one hand, the project internal thematic "building blocks" such as identification of the main (in)compatible anthropogenic uses and the protocol on green and blue infrastructure connectivity networks advanced. On the other, activities to gain external input progressed as well. This relates especially to preparing a future lab session for the midterm workshop (A3.3) with external participants that is expected to produce relevant input for the vision and objectives of the strategy. Work package 2 Implementing green and blue infrastructure networks for connectivity Advancements in work package 2 were mainly related to the governance settings and design of green and blue infrastructure networks for connectivity in the pilot sites. In regard to the former, data gathering and analytical steps were done by some partners, whereas others discussed the topic with the regional stakeholders. All ten partners engaged in elaboration of the projects of local ecological networks (D.2.3.1) and finalised the reports. Whereas a template with obligatory elements was made available, the partners could adapt the approach to specificities of the pilot areas, such as the size and governance characteristics. Connectivity networks were designed using different methods based on structural or functional connectivity and ecosystem services. An overview of the applied approaches to ecological connectivity planning was elaborated. Work package 3 Capacity building, training and knowledge transfer Actions related to regional connectivity working groups (RCWG) included identifying new stakeholders, preparing meetings and workshops, identifying and discussing RCWG actions with members of the group, as well as implementing workshops. Five RCWG workshops were held in four pilot sites. In view of the training and capacity building system on integrated spatial planning of ecological networks (A3.2 and O2.1), beside desk analyses and project internal discussions, steps towards stakeholders/users were done as well. Thus, possible themes and targets of training modules were discussed with the stakeholders, two training sessions on ecosystem services in connectivity network design held, and a training about natural areas and connectivity in planning for mayors and local public authorities' employees developed. The PlanToConnect project and intermediate results were presented to various audiences, such as municipalities, ministries and research institutes; national, regional and provincial public authorities in the field of ecological connectivity; scientists, connectivity experts and political actors. Management and communication A partner and steering group meeting was implemented in Caorle (IT). The PlanToConnect project midterm review was part of the meeting. A meeting of project partners on partner and project reporting for period 3 was convened, aiming at exchange about the reporting procedure and needs of partners, feedback of the ASP Joint secretariat and the ensuing recommendations and obligations. Seven meetings of work package and activity leads were held, and organisation and content related topics discussed. A to do list for period 4 was prepared and a meeting held to present it to the PlanToConnect project partners. The project website was maintained and posts published in the news and events section. Project deliverables were checked for compliance with formal requirements and uploaded to the website. Based on communication with project partners, case study descriptions for the website were updated. Work package 1 Knowledge base for green and blue infrastructure connectivity planning In A1.2, the work continued with completing and sending out an online survey by all partners to spatial planning experts and experts in the field of nature protection. 61 full responses were collected. The information served as an input for completing D.1.2.1 Transnational inventory of alpine GBI network elements. The tasks implemented in A1.4 were oriented into finalization of deliverables D.1.4.1 Standardized protocol and D.1.4.2 Guide on procedural steps. To gather external input, a session dedicated to both deliverables was held at the midterm workshop (A3.3). For O1.1 Alpine planning strategy for ecological connectivity, external input was sought at the midterm workshop (A3.3) as well. In a future laboratory session, enabling conditions to integrate ecological networks in spatial planning were discussed for the sectors settlement and transport infrastructure development, landscape planning, agricultural and nature protection areas. Recommendations to fill the gaps of ecological connectivity planning in the Alpine countries were collected by partners. Work package 2 Implementing green and blue infrastructure networks for connectivity In A2.4, the report guideline for D2.4.1 Land use conflicts for renewable energy production was finalized. Reports for all ten pilot sites were compiled by the partners. They include, among other, descriptions of major pressures and threats to ecological connectivity, factors opposing renewable energy facilities, and possible mitigation and compensation measures for the planned infrastructures. For A2.2 and A2.5, a guidance and template for elaboration of reports encompassing deliverables D.2.2.1 Governance arrangements, D.2.2.2 Management plan and D.2.5.1 Technical proposal were elaborated. Seven partners finalized the reports for their pilot sites, and drafts are available for the remaining three. Activity A2.6 Public events in pilot sites started in the reporting period. Guidelines for planning and implementation of events were produced in a participatory process entailing several rounds of consultation with partners. Work package 3 Capacity building, training and knowledge transfer As part of A3.1, meetings and workshops with regional connectivity working groups and key stakeholders were organized. Fourteen events were held by six partners, mainly to share and discuss the results of analyses in the pilot areas. The structure and components for the output O3.1 Training and capacity building system were determined and materials elaborated in A3.2. These include, e.g., documents introducing the capacity building and training, overall objectives and learning outcomes, and instructions for online trainings. An initial version of modules 1-3, and a 20-minute brown bag session about the programme have been produced as well. The main achievement in A3.3 was organization of the midterm workshop entitled Alpine Ecological Networks: Integrating Connectivity into Spatial Planning in cooperation with the AlpPlan network. 42 participants attended. They represented project partners and observers, other EU projects, EUSALP Action Groups and Alpine Convention working groups as well as AlpPlan Network. As part of A3.4, the partners engaged with target audiences in the pilot regions, at (sub)national and transnational levels. The intermediate project results were presented at an EUSALP AG7 meeting and during a joint meeting of the Alpine Convention's Alpine Biodiversity Board and Spatial Development and Spatial Planning working group. PlanToConnect is one of three projects introduced in the EUSALP factsheet Nature restoration in the Alpine region (www.alpine-region.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/EUSALP_Factsheet_Nature_restoration.pdf). It is also listed as an implementation project on the Alpine Convention website (https://www.alpconv.org/en/home/projects/implementation-projects/detail/plantoconnect/). Furthermore, a map of priority linkages from PlanToConnect was included in the Alpine Convention’s policy brief Biodiversity in the Alps (www.alpconv.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Organisation/SL/Biodiversity_in_the_Alps_Policy_Brief.pdf). Management and communication In the reporting period, 6 meetings of work package and activity leads were held. Agendas and minutes were made available to all partners via the project's SharePoint site. The to do list was elaborated and presented to project partners at an online meeting. A project partner and steering group meeting was held in Annecy (FR). The regular communication related tasks were performed: maintenance of the project website, uploading of deliverables, posting news, upkeep of the mailing lists and of the joint electronic platform. Further communication tools were finalized: a folder, partner language versions of the flyer and hanger, a digital version of the flyer in English language, project and partner roll-ups.

Project outputs: Alpine planning strategy for ecological connectivity, harmonized and integrated planning of GBI networks in priority areas(EN)
Case studies of integrated planning of GBI connectivity networks in pilot sites across administrative boundaries and cross-border areas(EN)
Training and capacity building system on integrated spatial planning of GBI networks for ecological connectivity(EN)
Website: https://www.alpine-space.eu/project/plantoconnect/

Thematic information

Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_AS_1) Climate resilient and green Alpine region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (11)

Lead Partner: Urbanistični inštitut Republike Slovenije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI38747669

Department: -

Address: Trnovski pristan, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Department address: -, - -, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.uirs.si/en-us/

Total budget: EUR 377 512.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 283 134.37

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 94 378.13

Contractors:

Name: Jasmina Adrić s.p.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 79981950
Name: Koren&co, d.n.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI38864207
Name: Rosi Zgonc d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI63140306

Fondazione Politecnico di Milano

Name: Fondazione Politecnico di Milano

Department: Operation Unit – MULTI (Multilateral and Territorial Initiatives)

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT04080270962

Address: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 20133 Milano, Italy

Department address: Piazza Leonardo da Vinci, 20133 Milano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.fondazionepolitecnico.it/en

Total budget: EUR 206 250.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 154 687.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 51 562.50

E.C.O. Institut für Ökologie GmbH

Name: E.C.O. Institut für Ökologie GmbH

Department: Sustainable Development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU53268707

Address: Lakeside Park, A-9020 Klagenfurt, Austria

Department address: -, - -, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.e-c-o.at

Total budget: EUR 62 278.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 46 709.10

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 15 569.70

Salzburger Institut für Raumordnung und Wohnen GmbH

Name: Salzburger Institut für Raumordnung und Wohnen GmbH

Department: Regional Development and Spatial Planning

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU78254014

Address: Schillerstraße, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Department address: -, - -, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.sir.at

Total budget: EUR 248 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 186 150.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 050.00

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Name: Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

Department: Chair of Geography and Regional Science

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE134187690

Address: Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany

Department address: -, - -, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.geographie.uni-wuerzburg.de

Total budget: EUR 300 966.76

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 225 725.07

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 75 241.69

ifuplan Institut für Umweltplanung und Raumentwicklung GmbH & Co

Name: ifuplan Institut für Umweltplanung und Raumentwicklung GmbH & Co

Department: -

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE334379119

Address: Amalienstraße, 80799 München, Germany

Department address: - , Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.ifuplan.de

Total budget: EUR 267 297.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 200 473.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 66 824.40

Eurac research

Name: Eurac research

Department: Institute for Regional Development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT01659400210

Address: Viale Druso, 39100 Bolzano, Italy

Department address: Viale Druso, 30100 Bolzano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.eurac.edu

Total budget: EUR 256 668.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 192 501.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 64 167.20

Asters, Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Haute-Savoie

Name: Asters, Conservatoire d’espaces naturels de Haute-Savoie

Department: -

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SIRET 326 356 177 001 20

Address: Avenue de Novel, 74000 Annecy, France

Department address: -, - -, France

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.cen-haute-savoie.org

Total budget: EUR 229 828.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 172 371.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 57 457.00

ALPARC – le Réseau Alpin des Espaces Protégés

Name: ALPARC – le Réseau Alpin des Espaces Protégés

Department: Biodiversity and ecological connectivity

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SIRET 791 785 371 00018

Address: Rue de la République, 73000 Chambéry, France

Department address: -, - -, France

Legal status: public

Organisation type: International organisation, EEIG

Website: http://www.alparc.org

Total budget: EUR 227 700.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 170 775.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 56 925.00

REGIONE DEL VENETO

Name: REGIONE DEL VENETO

Department: Spatial Planning Department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT02392630279

Address: Dorsoduro, 30123 Venezia, Italy

Department address: Calle Priuli, Cannaregio, 30121 Venezia, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.regione.veneto.it

Total budget: EUR 282 925.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 212 193.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 70 731.25

Contractors:

Name: Etifor Srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04570440281
Name: Luca Soranzo
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02253250308
Name: Maddalena Gioia Gibelli
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT11090430155
Name: Marco Abordi
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT00829100148
Name: T&B e associati Srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT00965560329

Comune di Sondrio

Name: Comune di Sondrio

Department: Spatial Planning Department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT00095450144

Address: Piazza Campello, 23100 Sondrio, Italy

Department address: Piazza Campello, 23100 Sondrio, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.comune.sondrio.it

Total budget: EUR 2 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 1 725.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 575.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Fondazione Politecnico di Milano

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

E.C.O. Institute of Ecology Ltd.

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

SIR – Salzburger Institut für Raumordnung und Wohnen

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

University of Würzburg

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

ifuplan – Institute for Environmental Planning and Spatial Development

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

Eurac research

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

Conservatory of natural areas in Haute-Savoie

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

ALPARC – Alpine Network of Protected Areas

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

VENETO REGION

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Sondrio

Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Project acronym: PlanToConnect

Project ID: ASP0100083

Project start date: 2022-11-01

Project end date: 2025-10-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

ALPBIONET2030 (EN) | ALPBIONET2030 proceeded to an alps-wide simulation of areas with different ecological connectivity potential. This structural connectivity is very much linked to the issue of open spaces and a basis for sustainable territorial planning. Sophisticated mapping, political recommendations, communication tools and scientific evaluations exist. The next logical step is the mainstreaming of the concept for political decisions makers and spatial planners. (EN), OpenSpaceAlps (EN) | OpenSpaceAlps is one of the first projects considering the Alpine Space and the impacts of land use from a spatial planning perspective. A deep analysis of remaining open spaces in the Alps, their localization and definition of quality and quantity criteria based on a logical natural framework, the alpine watersheds, allowed to deliver a tool for both the planning of sustainable development and nature protection. PlanToConnect will exploit and further develop the AlpPlan network. (EN), AlpES (EN) | The interactive AlpES WebGIS makes ecosystem service indicator maps of the Alpine Space accessible to stakeholders. Thanks to a calculation tool, stakeholders can produce their own maps to describe ecosystem services in their territories. Additionally, the AlpES e-learning tool can be used for capacity building. The AlpES project proposed a concept of regional environmental governance. PlanToConnect will utilize these results in its guidelines, toolbox and pilot implementation. (EN), DinAlpCONNECT (EN) | DinAlpCONNECT analyses ecological connections between the Alps and Dinaric Mountains, involving local stakeholders in identification of barriers to development of ecological networks (EN). It investigates inclusion of EN into spatial planning policies in a transboundary strategy. Through exchanges with this ongoing project, PlanToConnect will capitalize on experiences with analysis of ecological linkages, harmonization of policies and formulation of guidelines for linking transboundary habitats. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 461 927.46

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 846 445.59

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 75.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 846 445.59. Co-financing rate, 75.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Mapping report of priority connectivity areas for spatial planning and GBI typology catalogue
Shared interactive visualisation and story maps
Transnational inventory of alpine GBI network elements with compatible and conflicting uses
Threats report on alpine ecological connectivity, renewable energies and upcoming spatial needs
Standardized protocol of GBI connectivity networks
Guide on procedural steps regarding GBI network planning
Planning instruments and processes for GBI network planning and implementation in the Alps
Planning instruments and processes for GBI network planning and implementation in PPs territories
GBI network - governance arrangements (1x pilot site as part of D2.5.1)
GBI network - management plan (1x pilot site as part of D2.5.1)
Project of local ecological network (1x pilot site (PS))
GBI network - Land use conflicts for renewable energy production and other threats (1 report/PS)
Technical proposal for implementing GBI connectivity networks in spatial plans of pilot sites (1xPS)
No deliverable
No deliverable
No deliverable
Transnational expert working group: mission and objectives
No deliverable

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAlpineRegion PlanToConnect (PTC) follows up policy recommendations of the EUSALP Joint Paper for Spatial Planning referring to GBI networks and ecological connectivity and a shared ecological network, also in the cross-border dimension (4.3.1, 4.3.2 of JP). Partners and observers of PTC are members of AG7, thus consultation loops are ensured. PTC covers the geographical interface of EUSALP/Alpine Convention perimeter where ecological network planning is particularly important for the alpine biodiversity.
EuropeanGreenDeal By addressing connectivity and corridor implementation, the project contributes to the aims of protecting, conserving and enhancing the EU's natural capital under the policy area “Preserving and protecting biodiversity”. In particular it contributes to the realization of target 2 “maintain and restore ecosystems“ of the EU Biodiversity strategy 2030 and directly supports the realization of the EU strategy on Green Infrastructures.
TerritorialAgenda2030 PlanToConnect contributes to the realization of the priority “healthy environment” and in particular the aim of developing nature-based solutions as well as green and blue infrastructure networks that link ecosystems and protected areas in spatial planning.
Other PTC contributes to the implementation of the Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development as well as Nature Protection and Landscape Conservation Protocols of the Alpine Convention.
Other PTC contributes to Pathway “IP_Eco2: Enhance trans-boundary cooperation on ecological connectivity” of the Alpine Climate Target System.
Other The project supports the implementation of the European Landscape Convention in its quest to integrate landscape into regional planning and environmental policies.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 098 - SMEs staff completing training for skills for smart specialisation, for industrial transition and entrepreneurship (by type of skill: technical, management, entrepreneurship, green, other), Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Alpine Space

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-11-11

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

46 / 46 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

467 / 467 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

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Mainstreaming ecological connectivity in spatial planning systems of the Alpine Space

Description

Thematic information

Partners (11)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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