DINALPCONNECT

Overall objective of the DINALPCONNECT is to strengthen transnational and sectoral cooperation to improve EC throughout Dinaric Mountains connecting them with Alps for long term protection of biodiversity in view of current/future climatic changes. This is directly linked to programme specific objectives of protecting and restoring biodiversity and promoting ecosystem services through Natura 2000 and green infrastructure. Natura 2000 network and protected areas outside EU serve as the backbone of biodiversity conservation therefore preserving or restoring EC though the network on transnational level is crucial. Bringing together organisations from agricultural, forestry and nature conservation sectors we will focus on habitats affected by agricultural or forestry practices: karstic fields, dry grasslands, high altitude pastures, old growth forests which are of high nature conservation value. Connecting these habitats on a transboundary level demands coordinated management on both sides of the border. DINALPCONNECT Pilot region Action plans will focus on solutions such as implementing common monitoring, mitigating measures for physical barriers such as border fences, coordinated agri-environment schemes, hunting laws and dead wood retention measures. Long term operations which cannot be achieved within the project duration will be included into regional/national management plans and existing programmes (such as forest management plans) and suggestions for funding sources. On the macro-regional scale the objective is to combine spatial datasets from partner countries for comprehensive analysis of EC in Dinaric Mountains and further towards the Alps to identify important corridors or barriers. Combining analytical results with expert knowledge at an international round table and consultation workshop, DINALPCONNECT will develop a framework for coordinated development to maintain EC and identify priority areas for implementation of green infrastructure.