The concept of land ecological network and its design using a land unit approach

The introduction of ecological networks into nature conservation policies promotes a new planning model for maintaining biological and landscape diversity and assisting policy sectors in the conservation of natural ecosystems. We propose a method to design an ecological network of sites that satisfy the main ecological needs of species, community and ecosystems by analysing the pattern of natural elements in the land mosaic. We define the concept of land ecological network (LEN) and design the LEN in the province of Rome (Lazio, Italy) on a local scale (1:50,000). The LEN is composed of core areas, buffer zones and landscape connections each of which has its own management regime. This work was carried out as part of the province of Rome planning scheme, which represents a prescriptive document of General Provincial Territorial Plan of Rome. The LEN integrates ecological data with a hierarchical land classification and provides a scientifically sound basis for conservation strategies at different scales.