Integrating freshwater and terrestrial connectivity for conservation and restoration planning in the Danube-Carpathian Region
(2) BOKU-University, Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management, Department of Ecosystem Management
(3) WWF Central and Eastern Europe
Abstract
Connectivity is a key property of river basins, enabling ecological processes across scales. In the Danube-Carpathian Region, hydromorphological alterations, infrastructure development, and land-use change increasingly fragment freshwater and terrestrial connectivity. Disruptions to river-floodplain and catchment-scale connectivity threaten biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and socio-ecological resilience across borders.
In the Horizon Europe project NaturaConnect, we develop a multi-dimensional, spatially explicit framework to assess and enhance longitudinal, lateral and catchment-based ecological connectivity in the Danube-Carpathian Region (DCR). The framework links freshwater and terrestrial perspectives within integrated blue-green infrastructure planning. The overarching aim is to support transboundary identification of priority areas for freshwater and terrestrial ecosystem restoration and the implementation of a Trans-European Nature Network (TEN-N).
The assessment of lateral connectivity focuses on river–floodplain interfaces and applies a resistance-based modelling framework in Omniscape, using Copernicus Riparian Zone datasets and land-use resistance layers across borders. This allows us to identify areas with high potential for connectivity conservation and restoration. In addition to improving connectivity, the results can be used to enhance floodplain reconnection in the DCR.
At the catchment scale, we address cross-scale interactions and identify sub-catchments where restoration could deliver the greatest ecological benefits. A particular contribution of the DCR case study is the integration of longitudinal, lateral and hinterland dimensions of ecological connectivity within a common planning framework, thereby linking freshwater and terrestrial conservation priorities across scales. Overall, our approach provides a policy-relevant basis for supporting the implementatioin of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation through connectivity-centred restoration planning across the DCR.
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