13 Sep 09:00Place: ZI
Hahn, E. 2,1; Rosell, C. 3,1; Rydlov, J. 4,1; Georgiadis, L. 5,6,1; Autret, Y. 8,1; Seiler, A. 7,1; Poutiers, M. 9
1 IENE - Infrastructure and Ecology Network Europe, Paris, FRANCE
2 Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, Vienna , AUSTRIA
3 Minuartia, Barcelona, SPAIN
4 Trafikverket - Swedish Transport Administration, Malmö, SWEDEN
5 Biologist, MSc Environmental Policy and Biodiversity Conservation (Freelancer), Florina, GREECE
6 Centre for Research and Technology Hellas/Hellenic Institute of Transport (CERTH/HIT), Thessaloniki, GREECE
7 Swedish University of Life Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SWEDEN
8 Ministry of Ecological Transition, Paris, FRANCE
9 Bern Convention/Council of Europe, Strasbourg, FRANCE
Climate change and biodiversity loss represent two of the most significant challenges our societies are facing today. These issues not only impact ecosystem services but also threaten the resilience of infrastructure and human well-being. As the world undergoes transformations through decarbonization and digitalization, it is imperative that we implement rapid and effective measures that deliver positive outcomes for nature. There is a critical need for collaboration between stakeholders in infrastructure and ecology to break existing silos and collaboratively find solutions that mitigate conflicts and drive transformative changes in both nature and infrastructure. Achieving sustainable transport networks requires the development of intersectoral and multi-stakeholder collaborations to identify cost-effective solutions. Initial steps towards effective collaboration are already underway through efforts by organizations such as IENE, CEDR, FEHRL, PIARC, UIC, UNEP, WWF, the Bern Convention, among others. Noteworthy examples include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PIARC and IENE, their joint efforts to establish a common language for professionals across different disciplines (as seen in the 'Biodiversity and Infrastructure: A Handbook for Action'), and the launch of the HORIZON 2020 BISON project, which addresses specific conflicts between biodiversity and transport development. This interactive session seeks to explore new avenues to enhance international cooperation among transportation and ecological organizations. By working together, we can address current and emerging conflicts, understand the underlying drivers, and accelerate the implementation of effective solutions to curb biodiversity loss and enhance the resilience and safety of our infrastructure.