Cartographic GIS Mapping and Database Application of results on the local level of the European Green Belt

GIS Mapping of the Green Belt For joint project development on a local as well as on a regional level, the coordinators of the initiative required the development of a joint geodatabase containing information on the physical features of the Green Belt route, its land cover, land use, habitat status as well as status of protection. With fi- nancial support from BfN and DBU, this could be conducted in 2006 and 2007.

The project resulted in: • a scientific database to identify prio- rity areas for further engagement in nature conservation, • the display of the Green Belt in overview and in detail, including the protection status, land cover and Introduction Background species composition, The European Green Belt initiative The Green Belt as a habitat network is • a manual and CD for all partners, supports transboundary cooperation in a bridging element that links core areas • a series of 10 posters with clippings nature conservation and regional deve- and corridors, which can be pronounced from all Green Belt areas. lopment, by connecting protected areas as landscape corridors, stepping stone with their surrounding landscapes and corridors, linear corridors and buffer The results are a basis for further ana- communities. The route is a legacy of zones as well as sustainable use areas. lyses. In order to show the applicability history and in large sections it follows Nevertheless, the outstanding ecologi- in a local transboundary area, an exten- the former „“. By spanning cal value of the European Green Belt sion of the project was granted by BfN. some of the most important regions cannot be defined simply by totalling up for biological and cultural diversity in its conservation sites. The habitat net- Europe, the Green Belt includes parts of work is embedded in a matrix of regular Project Goal: the migration routes of bird species and landscape, i.e. a landscape, which is A model study based on the database crosses mammals migration routes. used in various ways. that is an analysis of the status quo and of the need for actions in two The Green Belt appears to have its Central European Green Belt areas. 3270 conservation areas in a 25 to 50 km own face in every country and district, zone on either side of the Green Belt: given to the great diversity of political, Identification of potentials in nature biological and socio-economic condi- • National Parks and Nature Reserves conservation and transboundary tions in each area. A shared vision for • SCIs of the Habitats Directive, cooperation in both areas. the conservation of biodiversity and the • SPAs of the Bird Directive promotion of sustainable regional deve- • Biosphere Reserves Site specific recommendations for a lopment remains as the conjoining link. • others joint regional development.

IUCN Green Belt Coordination Office Project Area Synthesis of site descriptions Model Region 1 The model regions were selected and processing of material according to the following criteria: Scientific data, database • potential for harmonisation of pro- information and local expe- tected area management on both rience can be aggregated to sides of the comprehensive descriptions • a certain threat arising from short displaying the uniqueness of term infrastructure development sites, the conditions of loca- • potential for an alignment of local tion, natural characteristics, development based on professional and species composition. nature conservation aspects. Targets in protection and de- velopment can be illustrated, Model Region 1 together with accomplished Morava River Floodplain area between measures and ongoing threats. Bratislava and the trilateral border point -- Links to authorites, organisa- tions, and local stakeholders Model Region 2 can be compiled. Morava River Floodplain area between Bratislava and the trila- teral border point Austria-Slovakia-Czech Republic Border Area -Czech Republic north of the National Parks Bavarian Transboundary site descrip- Forest/Sumava. tions for public relations work available for online and print material can be Analysis of potentials for transboundary provided. development and cooperation Using the Database On a pan-European scale, the ecologic The GIS database can contribute to the Map clippings, with information on sites relevance of a protected area was in following undertakings: and characteristics can be provided and some cases only significant in combina- • Synthesis of site descriptions and enhanced with pictures, interactive tion with sites on the other side of a na- processing of material information or links. tional border. These sites have a special • Analysis of potentials for cooperation function in providing transboundary in transboundary development and Information can be translated in all connectivity, form a functional unit and management local languages. depend on good communication and • Analysis of biodiversity, species and cooperation between authorities from habitats along the Green Belt The synthesis of all available site both countries. • Suggestions for a foresighted adapti- information is a basis for all further on to climate change awareness raising and public relations Systematic investigation and evaluation • Studies on landscape ecology, analy- work and a sound preparation for pro- can identify the gaps and missing links ses of connectivity and surroundings. ject development and proposals. in the protected area network that can be addressed by joint management The GIS Data measures. The results can be used to define the further process of working The European Green together. Belt Area Model Region 2 Needs for action in protection status, harmonised management, and coopera- tion can be determined.

Cartographic data can be completed and joint potentials displayed.

The aim of these analyses is to gain a management concept for one node in the ecologic network of protected areas along the Green Belt, focusing on transboundary cooperation in nature conservation and local or Border Area Bavaria-Czech Republic north of the National Parks Bavarian Forest/Sumava. regional development. Analysis of biodiversity, species and habitats along the European Green Belt 393 areas have been aggregated in the database and for most of them informa- tion on habitats and species is shown. In order to set targeted protection measures and focused activities, the data can be systematically evaluated and linked to GIS information.

An evaluation of data can focus on • the abundance of priority species, • the selection of characteristic spe- cies, • the value a protected area network has for species requiring vast spaces, • the occurrence of priority habitats Suggestions for a foresighted adaptation Studies on landscape ecology, analyses • the occurrence of extensive habitats, to climate change of connectivity and surroundings • the identification of biodiversity hot The European Green Belt represents a The data compiled during the cartogra- spots along the Green Belt, spacious corridor from north to south, phic mapping of the Green Belt contains • the value of the Green Belt for (large that is in some parts also covers a extensive information that can be used mammal) migration routes and avian remarkable elevation profile. This not for studies on connectivity, fragmenta- flyways, only makes up an excellent area for sci- tion as well as on mutual interaction of • the determination of representative entific study of changes due to climate the protected areas and their surroun- areas regarding species composition change, e.g. in species abundance. It dings. and/or land-use management, also creates the possibility to establish • the evaluation of threats, impacts and the Green Belt as a migration room, sin- Studies concerning landscape ecology adverse effects, ce adaptation to climate change relies can be undertaken based on the exist- • a scientific survey of climate change on sufficient space that can be colo- ing mapping data and can include the in a north-south cooridor as well as nised by species in distress and allows analysis of distances between Green cross border transects. their movement. Belt areas and the surroundings of pro- tected areas (CORINE landcover data is The result can serve as a basis for an The GIS data can contribute to the que- integrated in the database). action plan focused on habitats and stion whether the Green Belt can offer species along the European Green retreat and which habitats and species The need and possibilities to complete Belt. Emphasis should be layed on the can profit from the development. and support the habitat network in be- appropriate management of species tween Green Belt areas can be analysed and habitats which may range from Unbridgeable gaps and confining bar- based on the development potential strict protection to conservation mea- riers can be identified and limitations shown by CORINE landcover data. sures, sustainable use and sustainable and barriers to successful adaptation development. can be perceived in time. Fragmentation of the European Green Belt can be detected and isolation of Connectivity of even distant areas areas can be identified. along the Green Belt can be identified and put to awareness, e.g. to conserve These studies can lead to a land-use stepping stones along migration routes. concept with reference to space, quality and surroundings of Green For the surroundings of protected areas Belt areas. The evaluation can help an evaluation of the need for special to identify sites, where support is adaptation in management can be needed in large areas and where a undertaken. need for sustainable development is evident. The results can help to derive a con- cept for scientific study and actions, that might help to mitigate the effects of climate change on nature. Method used in both Model Regions The brochures can In a first step, the protected areas of be used in further pro- each model region were displayed. ject development, for Building on the outcomes and database awareness raising and of the GIS mapping project, a detailed public relations work. analysis was undertaken for each regi- on. A map was extracted from the GIS Suggestions files and species and habitat informati- Suggestions for an im- on was extricated. The regional infor- proved transboundary mation was synthesized and compiled cooperation in nature for further use in awareness raising and conservation and public relations. regional development included: In a second step, interviews and mee- • transboundary tings took place with representatives workshops for local of NGOs that are active in the model stakeholders from regions. The results from the interviews all relevant sectors, together with the site descriptions were • seminars on trans- used to analyse the potential of a joint boundary coopera- development in both Green Belt areas. tion, The European Green Belt • joint efforts to contribute to an en- Results and Outcomes hanced range of information products, Donors and Partners Important points discussed with the • display of cross-border interrelation- This project extension was financially project partners included: ships and support of partnerships, supported by the German Federal Agen- • information on conservation measures • participation of nature conservation cy for Nature Conservation (BfN) with • threats and adverse effects in each of stakeholders in local development, for funds from the German Ministry for the the areas, example in tourism development. Environment (BMU). • cooperation between the stakeholders in nature conservation, All project outcomes were made availa- Additional data was kindly provided by • harmonisation of protected areas ma- ble for the project partners in printed the local NGOs active in each area. nagement and manament planning. form. Green Belt partners may obtain

all material on CD-ROM from the Green The project was implemented by the Outputs Belt Coordination Office, or download it Green Belt Coordination Office in coo- For each of the model regions, one from the Green Belt website: peration with the Office for ecological brochure with a summary of all site www.europeangreenbelt.org. Studies (BfoeS) in Bayreuth, . descriptions was issued for all partners.

Contact: Green Belt Coordination Office IUCN Programme Office for South East- ern Europe Dr. Ivana Ribara 91 11070 Belgrade,

www.europeangreenbelt.org

Disclaimer IUCN does not hold responsibility for the current status of the displayed protected areas. IUCN and the Green Belt Coordination Office accept no liability for any errors, mis- prints or omissions herein concerning the legal status of any country, territory or area, or its authorities, or concerning the definition of its frontiers or boundaries. Edited by Katharina Diehl