Building a Coherent Ecological Network Through Legislation and Planning Guidelines

Landscape connectivity is a key element in biodiversity conservation and illustrates one of the major factors to consider in the spatial organization of protected areas network. Anthropogenic activities have predominantly intensified environmental problems in urban contexts, ultimately leading to significant biodiversity loss and habitat degradation. In response, policy frameworks such as the European Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the European Green Deal, the Nature Restoration Law, the European Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change, and the Urban Agenda for EU focus their attention on reintroduction of nature-based solutions (NBS) as an essential step to enhance the livability and sustainability of urban areas and ultimately hinder environmental risks and disasters. Integrating scientific research insights with regulatory initiatives, particularly those supported by ISPRA (Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), can help address the ongoing gaps in current planning guidelines, namely Action 1.3.B of the Italian Biodiversity Strategy. However, aligning these efforts remains a complex challenge due to the lack of harmonized data across different organizations, diverse territorial characteristics, and different planning efforts across a multi-scalar context. Many organizations lack the autonomy to coordinate data collection and actions, resulting in less coherent and ineffective ecological networks with poor connectivity. This study aims to explore the frameworks, legislations, laws, and planning guidelines through a comparative review in order to harmonize planning practices and regulations in Italy. The standardization of practices, databases, and spatial planning actions will contribute to the development of coherent urban landscapes while creating inclusive anthropized environments where habitats and biodiversity can be restored and the ecological quality of the network improved. The expected outcomes can bring about resilient urban and peri-urban areas which can also promote both human well-being and healthy environmental ecosystem spaces.