Green infrastructure is a strategically planned network that broadens traditional biodiversity conservation methods to also encompass the concept of ecosystem services (ES). This study aims to identify the network of green infrastructure in Central Europe. An analysis of ecological connectivity is based on ES supply quantified for CORINE land cover classes. Corridors between core areas, which are represented by Natura 2000 sites, are based on the capacity of ecosystems to supply maintenance and regulating ES. The delineated network of corridors of green infrastructure covers approximately 15% of the landscape of Central Europe that provides high levels of various ES. Ecological corridors create linkages between Natura 2000 sites and support the migration and dispersal of species. Central Europe is an important transitional region where coordinated improvement of ecological connectivity is fundamental. Moreover, promotion of the green infrastructure network and full implementation of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives are targets of two important documents at the European level, the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure.
Landscape classification of Central Europe was carried out in order to define the spatial framework of environmentally homogeneous typological units. The output of such a classification would be used for further assessment of ecosystem services within the focus region. Classification was based on the cluster analysis of principal components, derived from a set of abiotic data-climatic and terrain variables and a soil database. Seven specific landscape types were defined within Central Europe. Regional distribution and environmental characteristics of particular units are described.
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