Human activities and climate change are increasingly threatening habitats and ecosystem functions. Protected areas play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and maintaining ecological balance. However, to be truly effective, these areas must be connected through ecological corridors—networks of green and blue infrastructure (GBI) designed to support biodiversity and ecosystem functionality. These networks, including rivers, wetlands, grasslands, and forests, enable species to migrate and adapt to changing conditions.

Despite their importance, the connectivity of protected areas through GBI corridors is hindered by planning gaps, lack of implementation, and emerging threats. In the Alpine region, the development of GBI corridors is fragmented, with multiple regional and local planning authorities operating independently, leading to inconsistencies and discontinuities in network planning.

The PlanToConnect project aims to strengthen ecological connectivity across the Alpine region by fostering collaboration among multiple stakeholders in different pilot areas. By defining and testing a common strategy, the project provides regional and local planning authorities with practical guidance for designing GBI networks that enhance connectivity and support biodiversity conservation.

The Veneto Region is a key partner in the project and is actively involved in one of the pilot areas: the municipalities of Caorle, San Michele al Tagliamento, and Concordia Sagittaria, currently governed by the Contratto di area umida della Laguna di Caorle (CdAU)—a voluntary agreement regulating the use of natural capital. This initiative aims to integrate nature reserves and ecological restoration areas into local and regional urban planning, ensuring their inclusion within a broader GBI network to maximize environmental and biodiversity benefits.

As part of the project, Etifor is supporting the Veneto Region by providing expertise and technical assistance in two key areas:

• Regional-level activities:

  • Organizing an online training course for public and private sector stakeholders on policies and market-based instruments for biodiversity conservation and ecological connectivity.
  • Producing a policy brief outlining key recommendations on these topics.
  • Supporting the organization of a final conference to present the project results.

• Pilot area activities:

  • Conducting a screening of available funding sources to implement conservation actions outlined in the Contratto di area umida della Laguna di Caorle (CdAU).
  • Developing a funding mechanism, in collaboration with local stakeholders, to ensure the long-term implementation of ecological corridor interventions in the pilot area.