Challenges in scaling exemplary measures for the development of a biotope network in sample regions of north-west Germany

The overarching goal is to counteract the loss of species in the cultural landscape and contribute to the conservation and promotion of biodiversity by creating and expanding biotope networks. As a first step, biotope networks were planned and implemented at local level in the predecessor project "Biotope Network Grassland" (further information can be found here). This is where the "Development of a biotope network" project picks up and aims to describe the challenges that arise when scaling up biotope network systems at regional level (district level). Three representative supporting organisations (a nature conservation foundation, a district rural association and a lower nature conservation authority) were selected and are being examined for their suitability for coordinating regional biotope network systems. In addition, a network of stakeholders is to be set up and established and a transformation pathway described.

The employees of the University of Oldenburg involved in this project are responsible for work package 4: Conceptual development of a biotope network system. In close co-operation with the three supporting institutions, exemplary biotope network systems are to be developed in the respective districts. To this end, the available documentation will be analysed, biotope types selected and project areas defined and their suitability checked in field inspections. In addition, target species are to be defined for the exemplary biotope network systems.

Project partners:

• Grassland Centre Lower Saxony / Bremen e.V.
• University of Oldenburg, Research Group Vegetation Science and Nature Conservation
• University of Osnabrück, Institute for Environmental Systems Research, Institute of Geography, Resource Management Research Group
• NABU Oldenburger Land

Financing: German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU)

Duration: 01.10.2022 to 30.09.2023