What is IENE???
Infra Eco Network Europe (IENE) is a European network of authorities, institutes and experts involved in the phenomena of habitat fragmentation caused by the construction and use of linear transport infrastructure, especially roads, railways and canals (waterways). It addresses decision makers, planners and researchers as well as the public, by providing an international and interdisciplinary arena to encourage and enable cross-boundary cooperation in research, mitigation and planning.
The organisation stimulates mutual cooperation among its members and supports the exchange of knowledge between the sectors of environment and transport infrastructure, both on a national and on an international level. IENE combines and disseminates international research results, practical knowledge and experiences in order to advance beneficiary environmental effects and reduce detrimental impacts caused by the construction, use and maintenance of linear transportation infrastructure.
IENE shall address transport and environmental policy at EU level and actively interact with other organisations such as PIARC, UIC, IUCN, ECNC and more deliberately involve civil engineers and technicians. Also the broader public should be addressed and involved. Educational and information material should be provided in order to raise awareness and support the implementation of EU conventions on landscape and public participation. In addition, IENE activities must also relate to climate change and the necessary adaptation of infrastructure.
What is habitat fragmentation?
Over the past decades, the pressure of transportation on nature has increased substantially. Vehicular traffic is steadily and quickly growing, requiring an expansion and upgrade of transport infrastructure which in turn allows for further growth in traffic.
Inevitably, transport networks disrupt natural processes, cut through natural – and human – habitat, and isolate and degrade the remaining patches. This loss and fragmentation of natural and human living spaces with subsequent adverse effects on wildlife and social life, has finally been recognised as one of the major unresolved threats to the biological diversity worldwide.
There is urgent need to integrate transport planning and ecological concern in Europe and to re-establish and secure connectivity across fragmented landscapes. Counteracting fragmentation is possible, necessary means and knowledge are available. What lacks behind is often only the political will to build a safer and an ecologically sustainable infrastructure.