Enhancing Connectivity, improving Green Infrastructure. Cost-benefit solutions for forest and agri-environment. A pilot study in Lombardy

This pilot study over Lombardy addresses the cost-effective spatial development of a well-connected Green Infrastructure (GI) relevant to the integration of forest, agri-environment and regional development policies. The structural continuity and functional connectivity of semi-natural vegetation, as recommended component of the GI, are assessed. Corridors most favourable to species dispersal are mapped and gaps in connectivity are identified. Spatially explicit solutions are then proposed to prioritise improvement actions based on their monetary cost through payments of ‘greening’ subsidies and their benefit for connectivity. This is demonstrated at micro-scale to benefit pollinators and pest predators and at regional scale to benefit ‘connectivity sensitive’ terrestrial species.