Building Bridges for Nature: Mid-Term Insights from NaturaConnect’s Case Studies
Effective conservation planning requires strategies that work across diverse environmental, socio-political contexts, and multiple spatial scales. A recent publication, the Mid-term Report of Case Studies from the NaturaConnect project, offers critical insights into how the Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N) principles are being implemented through six diverse case studies.
These case studies serve as real-world testing grounds, providing a “reality check” on the feasibility of TEN-N principles and highlighting common challenges and opportunities in various contexts—from transboundary regions to national policies and local landscapes.
Case Studies in Focus:
- Danube-Carpathian Region: Spanning 15 countries, this study showcases the complexities of cross-border collaboration in conserving vast, varied landscapes.
- National Studies (Finland, France, Portugal): Partnering with environmental agencies, these studies explore integrating TEN-N into national biodiversity policies.
- Local Focus:
- Doñana Region, Spain: A biodiversity hotspot navigating multi-actor governance challenges.
- Leipzig-Halle Floodplains, Germany: Balancing peri-urban development with ecological priorities.
Emerging Insights:
The mid-term findings reveal the importance of tailoring TEN-N frameworks to specific regional needs. For instance, the Danube-Carpathian study highlights transboundary conservation complexities, while Leipzig-Halle presents innovative solutions for urban-ecological balance.
Stakeholder engagement has been pivotal, with national agencies, NGOs, and local authorities collaborating to align conservation with broader policy goals.
As NaturaConnect moves towards its final comparative analysis in 2026, these mid-term insights provide a solid foundation for advancing a resilient, connected network of ecosystems that benefits both nature and people across Europe.
