Landmark Contributions Honoured at IENE 2024 International Conference in Prague
The IENE International Conference 2024 celebrated significant achievements in ecological conservation within transport infrastructure. Held in Prague, the event recognized groundbreaking efforts to protect biodiversity amid growing transport networks.
GreenPlan Project Recognized for Innovations in Ecological Conservation
The GreenPlan Project, led by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, was commended for its trailblazing work in addressing biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation. Funded by the Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian Road Authority, the project has developed Norway’s first Ecological Network database. This tool offers high-resolution maps that demonstrate ecological connectivity across species such as mammals, insects, birds, and plants.
These maps, which account for the cumulative effects of infrastructure and human activities, are vital for sustainable land management. For example, moose migration maps, validated using wildlife-traffic collision data, are used to guide mitigation measures like wildlife bridges and road fencing. The GreenPlan Project also utilizes Scenario Analysestechnology, forecasting the impact of infrastructure and climate changes. Over 100 scenarios have been tested, providing practical applications for sustainable development.
“The GreenPlan Project marks a significant advancement in aligning ecological science and technology for more sustainable land use planning,” said Václav Hlaváč, spokesperson for the IENE International Conference.
Read more: https://connectivitymaps.nina.no.
Hildegard Meyer Honoured for leadership in ecological connectivity
Ecologist Hildegard Meyer, representing WWF Central and Eastern Europe, was recognized for nearly two decades of dedication to promoting ecological connectivity. Meyer has spearheaded numerous projects, including TRANSGREEN, ConnectGREEN, and SaveGREEN, which aim to mitigate the environmental impact of transport infrastructure on wildlife habitats.
Her leadership has been pivotal in crafting strategies that reduce habitat fragmentation, ensuring the coexistence of infrastructure development and nature. Upon receiving her award, Meyer said, “This recognition reflects the collective efforts of countless individuals working to harmonize our infrastructure with the environment. Building awareness and alliances is crucial to preserving ecological connectivity.”
Lifetime award to Hans Bekker
due toHans graduated from the Agricultural University of Wageningen and subsequently started working for the Dutch Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management. He was particularly active in areas where infrastructure (roads and waterways) and transport affected the environment, nature and wildlife. He was an intermediary between civil engineers and environmentalists, between policy and practical programs/projects, and between research and applied knowledge. He initiated the construction of Europe’s first wildlife crossings, from badger tunnels to great big green bridges to reconnect habitats and improve connectivity. Hans was the leader of the Dutch defragmentation project, which aimed to ensure safe passages for wildlife in almost 200 conflict points where transport infrastructure limited the movement of wildlife. He was the chair of the important European project COST 341: Habitat Fragmentation due to transport infrastructure. The first Wildlife and Traffic Handbook, due to the cooperation of specialists from all over the world, was an important output of this project.
Hans was the chairman of IENE for many years, which he also represented on the Steering Committee of the International Conferences on Ecology & Transport (ICOET) in the USA.
Hans continues to inspire generations of people working on ecology and infrastructure, especially in creating cooperation between different disciplines and countries.