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WOODNET
Connectivity patterns and processes along a gradient of European landscapes with woody vegetation and spatial heterogeneity
Many species of cultural importance or providing ecosystem services in rural landscapes depend on the presence of semi-natural elements in landscapes, especially wooded ones (forests, hedgerows etc.). Several European policies deal with these points (nature conservation, lesser use of pesticides). In its Green Infrastructure Strategy, the EU Commission defines GBI as a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services.
Yet it clearly appears a need to have a European view of the GBIs to understand their role for nature conservation and services to crop production. Woodnet deals with these two aspects by connecting semi-natural elements to foster species movement and evaluating the regulation services for crop protection and is thus a step forward.