6 March 2014: The European Environment Agency (EEA) has announced the release of a report, titled ‘Spatial Analysis of Green Infrastructure in Europe,’ which shows a way of mapping networks of natural and semi-natural spaces and other environmental features that deliver ecosystem services in the region. Such services include air filtration, erosion protection, water flow regulation, coastal protection, pollination and carbon storage.

The report proposes a feasible and replicable methodology for use by different entities and at varying scales, for identifying “green infrastructure (GI) elements,” as defined in the 2013 European Union (EU) Green Infrastructure Strategy. According to the report, the application of such methodology shows that healthy areas of green infrastructure cover approximately a quarter of Europe’s land. These areas are also key habitats for mammals, such as bear, wolf and lynx.

The report further analyzes the connectivity among the elements, noting that roads, towns and other developments continue to fragment these habitats, splitting wildlife populations into smaller groups, and making them more vulnerable to climate change. The report also highlights, however, that this analysis is only a useful starting point for identifying priority areas for conservation and potential restoration. [EEA News] [Publication: Spatial Analysis of Green Infrastructure in Europe] [Publication: EU Green Infrastructure Strategy 2013]