Abstract
The authors discussed about regional level ecological network plans and implementation of ecological corridors in the province of Utrecht, the Netherlands. In the Netherland there are three different (national, regional and municipal) level ecological network plans in which a solution for habitat fragmentation.
The province of Utrecht introduced a regional is sought level ecological network plan in 1993 under the national ecological network. In Utrecht, ecological corridors are designed as followings. Firstly, 135 target species that represent different types of biotope are selected To simplify the planning process, 23 guide species are selected from the target species, based on their sensitivity to fragmentation. Each corridor is describedby its biotope demands based of relevant target and guide species.
For implementation of ecological corridors, the provincial government made a separate policy plan. The policy plan indicates the location of 31 corridors on a topographic map. In order to realize the corridors, various measures e. g. supporting design and maintenance, mitigating barriers, buying lands, are taken. Different public and private parties participate in planning and construction of corridors under the ordination of the provincial government.
