20. An interconnected ecological structure
Many animals can thrive in urban and suburban areas. To reproduce and find shelter, they need the right habitats, but also ways to reach them. This requires an effective, ecological infrastructure without any barriers. The ecological structure of Amsterdam (see maps.amsterdam. nl/ecopassages/?LANG=en) interconnects green areas and thus enlarges habitats. An ecological structure consists of a network of both large and small areas of water (‘blue’) and vegetation (‘green’), enables an interconnecting green network within the city and connects it with the surrounding landscape, and is essential for biodiversity. To have this system of eco-corridors function properly requires circumventing any ecological barriers. The map (see maps.amsterdam.nl/ ecopassages/?LANG=en) shows the ecological structure and illustrates the obstacles to be circumvented.
Fauna passage, Rozenburglaan
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Squirrel bridge
Beneficial for: ■■ All urban wildlife
Barriers Each barrier has been investigated to determine what it involves, which measures will have to be taken to circumvent it (fauna passage, fauna ledge, fauna exit site, fauna gutter, fish passage, reeds, squirrel bridge or cattle grid) and what the estimated costs would be. More information about how these barriers still have to be circumvented is available at maps.amsterdam.nl/ecopassages/?LANG=en
Fauna passage
Example of a fauna passage in an underpass
Twenty ideas for integrating biodiversity in urban planning and development
Twenty ideas for integrating biodiversity in urban planning and development
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