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Assessment of an Ecological Network at Local Scale in the Context of Landscape Changes: A Case Study from NE Poland

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Landscape Analysis and Planning

Part of the book series: Springer Geography ((SPRINGERGEOGR))

Abstract

The main aim of the study is to assess the functioning of an ecological corridor in the context of landscape changes, especially planned land use at local scale. The analysis was conducted within the Northern Ecological Corridor in Poland, which was first determined at national scale, and then specified at local scale. 29 municipalities in NE Poland were selected for detailed analysis. These municipalities are situated within the Northern Ecological Corridor in Poland, which connects the Knyszyn Forest, through the Biebrza Marshes, with the Pisz Forest. Spatial planning documents developed at local scale were analysed. The research allows the identification of areas where conflicts between land use and landscape connectivity occur. These conflicts are mainly connected with housing development and tourism infrastructure. This study shows that in Poland, where no legal instruments to protect ecological networks exist, the development of ecological corridors at local scale requires not only conducting an analysis of the present land use and landscape permeability, but also a detailed analysis of spatial planning documents. Only a coherent ecological network with a perspective for the future will ensure effective protection of an ecological network and, thus, biodiversity.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    The project as a part of the “Active protection of the lowland populations of the lynx in Poland” project, implemented by the WWF Poland Foundation, co-financed by the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund, under the Operational Programme Infrastructure and Environment (OPIE) 05.01.00-00-341/10) and the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. Upon detailing the course of the ecological corridor, fieldwork was conducted. Also there were meetings with stakeholders in the region (including representatives of municipality authorities, forest district authorities, road administration). The final outcome of the project is the creation of a comprehensive programme to protect the Northern Ecological Corridor in Poland.

  2. 2.

    The former Spatial Development Act of 7 July (1994) ceased to apply when a new law on spatial planning and development was adopted on March 27, 2003.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University, ul. Gronostajowa 7, 30-387, Kraków, Poland

    Michał Jakiel & Anita Bernatek

Authors
  1. Michał Jakiel
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  2. Anita Bernatek
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Correspondence to Michał Jakiel .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland

    M. Luc

  2. Institute of Physical Geography Department of Hydrology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland

    U. Somorowska

  3. Pedagogical University in Crakow, Krakow, Poland

    J.B. Szmańda

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Jakiel, M., Bernatek, A. (2015). Assessment of an Ecological Network at Local Scale in the Context of Landscape Changes: A Case Study from NE Poland. In: Luc, M., Somorowska, U., Szmańda, J. (eds) Landscape Analysis and Planning. Springer Geography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-13527-4_14

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