Constructing adapation strategies for species in the Dutch National Ecological Network using multifunctional land use options

B.F. Schaap, H. Korevaar

    Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstract

    Abstract

    Climate change is an additional pressure on biodiversity in the highly fragmented landscapes of the Netherlands. In response to increasing temperatures some species will need to migrate to find suitable habitat. Other species, with limited possibilities to migrate, limited reproduction capacity and specific abiotic and climatic needs, have low resilience to extreme weather. Prior to the recent awareness on climate change, in 1990 the Dutch government designed a National Ecological Network, connecting existing nature reserves and appointing areas where new nature reserves should be created or enlarged to counteract habitat fragmentation. However, implementation of this network stalls because many land owners do not want to sell their property. In two regions with different a-biotic conditions (one region on dry sandy soils with a small scaled landscape divided by ramparts and pieces of woodland and a region on wet peat soils with an open landscape dominated by grasslands) we explored alternative possibilities to connect nature reserves for species that are vulnerable to climate change. By using existing landscape elements like ditches and their banks, hedgerows and field margins to form green blue veins, the fragments in the landscape become more connected. Nature reserves connected by green blue veins and stepping stones in an agricultural environment offer a more diverse habitat that is expected to resist extreme weather conditions better than homogeneous landscapes. Focus group discussions provided feedback on practical implications, costs and benefits of green blue veining options and willingness to implement them. The possible implications to biodiversity and to the local society will form the basis for constructing strategies for adaptation in the multifunctional landscapes targeted at biodiversity and development of rural areas. Topic: Climate Change, Biodiversity and Adaptation Presentation preference: Platform presentation
    Original languageEnglish
    Publication statusPublished - 2009
    Event10th International Congress of Ecology in a Changing Climate, Brisbane, Australia -
    Duration: 16 Aug 200921 Aug 2009

    Conference/symposium

    Conference/symposium10th International Congress of Ecology in a Changing Climate, Brisbane, Australia
    Period16/08/0921/08/09

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