Ecological Networks And Greenways

The establishment of ecological networks in Europe and greenways in America has required some of the most advanced applications of the principles of landscape ecology to land use planning. This book provides a thorough overview of recent developments in this emerging field, combining theoretical concepts of landscape ecology with the actual practice of landscape planning and management. In addition to biological and physical considerations important to biodiversity protection and restoration, equal weight is given to cultural and aesthetic issues to illustrate how sympathetic, sustainable land use policies can be implemented. Examples are given for large scale areas (Estonia and Florida) as well as regional areas such as Milano, Chicago and the Argentinian Yungas. This invaluable book will provide a wealth of information for all those concerned with biodiversity conservation through networks and greenways and their relevance to the planning process, whether researcher, land manager or policy maker.

Publisher Description

In metropolitan areas across the country, you can hear the laments over the loss of green space to new subdivisions and strip malls. But some city residents have taken unprecedented measures to protect their open land, and a growing movement seeks not only to preserve these lands but to link them in green corridors. Many land-use and urban planning professionals, along with landscape architects and environmental advocates, have joined in efforts to preserve natural areas. MetroGreen answers their call for a deeper exploration of the latest thinking and newest practices in this growing conservation field. In ten case studies of U.S. and Canadian cities paired for comparative analysis-Toronto and Chicago, Calgary and Denver, and Vancouver and Portland among them-Erickson looks closely at the motivations and objectives for connecting open spaces across metropolitan areas. She documents how open-space networks have been successfully created and protected, while also highlighting the critical human and ecological benefits of connectivity. MetroGreen's unique focus on several cities rather than a single urban area offers a perspective on the political, economic, cultural, and environmental conditions that affect open-space planning and the outcomes of its implementation.

This book provides a wealth of information for all those involved in using ecological networks for biodiversity protection and environmental management, as well as their significance for planning. It describes the concept of ecological networks, and presents methods and real-world examples of the use of a territorial system of ecological stability (TSES) in Slovakia at national, regional and local levels, including the assessment of the significance of biocentres, biocorridors and interactive elements. Using both a functional model for preserving the living conditions of habitats or preventing their collapse, and the connectivity of biotopes in a landscape as an original type of ecological network based on landscape-ecological principles, TSES represents a modern concept of nature and biodiversity protection based on the principles of protection of the conditions and forms of biota.

Displays the broad range of quantitative approaches to analysing ecological networks, providing clear examples and guidance for researchers.

This book explores and outlines the reference theoretical basis of ecological networks within the international debate, focusing on how protected areas should no longer be considered as the sum of different components but rather as a network. The various European, transnational and national models of ecological networks/connections are analyzed on the basis of a detailed, updated study of relevant documents. The complex picture that emerges shows a wide range of reticular-ecological models within European plans and programs, but also many non-integrated experiences. The book subsequently examines the regulation of ecological networks/connections within planning instruments, explaining the critical points and referring to different ecological network models and specific local realities. Lastly, the book addresses two Italian case studies regarding the different normative and planning frameworks, both at a national and regional level, and demonstrating not only how ecological networks/connections can be structured within plans, but also how these networks/connections represent the core element of territory development and preservation. As such, it provides an essential tool for containing habitat fragmentation, offering a new perspective that integrates theoretical approaches and methods with planning models and the lessons learned from local applications.

Hardbound. The ecological networks concept has been taken as a challenge in this sixth ISOMUL book. Both the description of the background and of the contents of ecological networks are given, as well as many examples of the use of the concept on the local and regional scale. Finally, a specific use of the concept of ecological networks for the national level (The Netherlands) and the International level (E.C.) is presented.The volume will be invaluable to all those involved in the actual planning to safeguard and/or restore natural and ecological values in the countryside and in specific green parts of urbanized areas.