BiodivERsA - Integrative Management of Green Infrastructures Multifunctionality, Ecosystem integrity and Ecosystem Services

The IMAGINE project aimed at quantifying the multiple functions, ecosystem services and benefits provided by green infrastructure in different contexts from rural to urban. The consortium led by INRAe (France) comprises six research institutions (EMU, INBO, INRAe, ISOE, NINA and UniKiel) from five European countries (Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany and Norway). Based on case study sites, we explored different state-of-the-art methods on the interaction between the environmental (abiotic characteristics of soil and water), structural (size, shape, spatial network configuration) and biological (species composition, structure, production) properties of the green infrastructure, which are necessary for the optimal provision of ecosystem services by the green infrastructure. In relation to the ecological functions of green infrastructure, we considered the societal values from different stakeholders and citizens as well as the policyscape addressing green infrastructure management in a set of case study sites. We observed that wild species connectivity is compatible with ecosystem services provision to people. Green infrastructure have a capacity for different ecosystem services two times the average capacity of others habitats. The management and governance of green infrastructure is complex and requires participatory cooperation between institutions and stakeholders. Several different perceptions and wishes regarding the ecosystem services provided by green infrastructure may prevail. It is therefore important to define and specify the respective objective(s) for which a green infrastructure is implemented. Starting from common values related to the social elements and functions of green infrastructure will help to resolve frictions. Our project not only generated new knowledge on the relationship between management, ecosystem integrity and multifunctionality of ecosystem services delivered by green infrastructure, but also developed methods, tools and technical guides that could be implemented by or in support to local stakeholders for sustainable landscape management.

IMAGINE's research-practice interface allowed for translating theoretical concepts to practice, and match stakeholder and researchers? needs. Participatory engagement helped share viewpoints among stakeholders and build consensus on GI challenges and solutions. Our work showed that wildlife connectivity and ecosystem servicescapacity are not antagonistic. It is therefore possible to promote both biodiversity and societal benefits. Vulnerability analyses allowed us to identify green infrastructure elements under pressure and thus help prioritise management actions at the landscape level. The management and governance of green infrastructure is however complex and requires a common baseline between institutions and stakeholders to overcome frictions. The use of integrated and interdisciplinary tools is thereby essential to support the exploration of barriers, trade-offs and opportunities for the design and management of green infrastructure in diverse urban and rural landscapes.

IMAGINE is based on 6 partners from 5 countries eligible to Biodiversa funding. The project brings together multidisciplinary and complementary expertise (landscape ecology, restoration ecology, sociology, land planning, modelling). It promotes a place-based approach of Socio-Ecological Systems integrative analysis of GI ecological integrity, ecosystem functions and ecosystem services and disservices. During the project we will test its approach on Case Study Territories with two main gradients: rural-urban gradient within case studies and latitudinal across case studies. IMAGINE will conduct its transdisciplinary research activities in close contact with stakeholders (land managers, municipalities, contractors in planning, design and building activities, nature conservation services, NGOs and the wider public as users). We will apply the place-based approach of socio-ecological systems to CST and integrates from the very beginning relevant stakeholders of the case study areas. IMAGINE aims thus to solve problems linked with GI in interaction with regional and local stakeholders and to offer EU-level transferability of knowledge and methods. IMAGINE proposes an integrative territorial analysis of GI multifunctionality and ecosystem services and addresses sustainability and resilience issues.