Parks and landscape: Land use plan experimentation for biodiversity

Although Natura 2000 sites and protected areas are the backbone of the EU’s nature and biodiversity policy, they are not coordinated and, in many cases, they are not integrated in land use policies and plans, in particular at the local level. Ecological corridors are tasked with strengthening overall ecological quality, connecting fragmented habitats and integrating protected natural areas and landscape. Effectively, connectivity has been identified as an essential element for habitat and landscape fragmentation, as discussed in various Italian local planning experiences.