IENE 2012 conference theme

“Safeguarding ecological functions across transport infrastructure”

European landscapes are among the most fragmented areas in the world. Natural habitats have been lost, transformed and isolated over many centuries, but the pace and extent of landscape change that we face today is unprecedented. Fragmentation caused by expanding transport infrastructure and urban sprawl is a major cause for the loss of biodiversity, and many of its detrimental effects may still take time to manifest fully.

There is an urgent need for improvement in infrastructure and urban planning, but there is also hope thanks to recent endeavours in European environmental policy and a growing recognition of landscape and biodiversity values in the world. Defragmentation approaches and first steps towards integrative habitat networks have already been implemented in many countries and at EU level, and a concept of green infrastructure is being developed upon which much of the European natural heritage will depend. Where transport and green infrastructures meet, provisions must be made for securing ecological functions while maintaining traffic safety and efficacy.

IENE invites decision makers, scientists and engineers, practitioners and stakeholders to discuss and develop solutions that help us to safeguard biodiversity and achieve an ecologically sustainable infrastructure.

Desired outcome

In general, the goal of the conference is to foster a greater understanding of landscape fragmentation due to transport infrastructure; its causes, threats and effective countermeasures; strengthen the dialogue between scientists and practitioners; and trigger international collaboration.

The conference will develop improved solutions to safeguard biodiversity and help to execute the “No Net Loss” concept of the EU council.

More specifically, the conference will adopt a final declaration on the willingness to work towards a joint European approach on ensuring ecological functions and processes in the landscape while upgrading the network of roads, railways and other transport facilities.

Call for sessions and workshops

Ideas for specific sessions and workshops are welcome now! Please submit your proposal with a short description to info@iene-conferences.info . 

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