Mapping Green Infrastructure based on ecosystem services and ecological networks: A Pan-European case study

A methodology that can be used to identify and map GI elements at landscape level based on the notions of ecological connectivity, multi-functionality of ecosystems and maximisation of benefits both for humans and for natural conservation.

Implementation

Ecosystem management
Spatial planning

Methods

Ecosystem assessment

Topics

Biodiversity
Ecosystem services
Green infrastructure
Policy

Constraints

Product requirements

Identifying, promoting and preserving a strategically planned green infrastructure (GI) network can provide ecological, economic and social benefits. It has also become a priority for the planning and decision-making process in sectors such as conservation, (land) resource efficiency, agriculture, forestry or urban development.

Advantages

The method is applied in a continental scale analysis covering the EU-27 territory, taking into account the delivery of eight regulating and maintenance ecosystem services and the requirements of large mammals' populations.
The best performing areas for ecosystem services and/or natural habitat provision cover 23% of Europe and are classified as the core GI network. Another 16% of the study area with relatively good ecological performance is classified as the subsidiary GI network

Links

Mapping Green Infrastructure based on ecosystem services and ecological networks: A Pan-European case study

DOI reference

10.1016/j.envsci.2015.07.009

Contact details

Camino Liquete

European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES), Water Resources Unit, Via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra, VA, Italy