Ecological Mapping

Abstract

The scientific concept of ecological continuity is a tool developed in response to the international challenge of biodiversity loss. It is a complementary approach to that of protected areas, taking into account the movement of species throughout their lives. In Algeria, this concept is known as the “Trame verte et bleue”, which becomes a land-use planning tool. The ecological continuities (or ecological networks) that make up the green and blue framework include biodiversity reservoirs and ecological corridors. Their identification and delimitation must enable plant and animal species, the preservation or restoration of which is a national or regional issue, to move around to ensure their life cycle and promote their ability to adapt. their life cycles and their ability to adapt. The notion of continuum is used in certain ecological network design methods. A continuum is associated with a subframe. It represents a set of contiguous environments, the support environments of this subnetwork, within which the group of species associated with the subnetwork can be present or move (without prejudging their actual presence or possible obstacles). The continuum thus corresponds to a habitat approach to continuity. This term will be used more specifically for flora. With a view to identifying and mapping a national green and blue network, regional initiatives have sought to identify the species and natural environments for which the preservation of ecological continuity is a prerequisite for the

existence and maintenance of diversity. The coherence of the regional approaches is ensured by taking into account the issues and zonings reflected in the criteria presented in the framework document accompanying the national guidelines.4 National guidelines for the preservation and restoration of ecological continuity With a view to identifying and mapping a national green and blue network, regional initiatives have sought to identify the species and natural environments for which the preservation of ecological continuity is a prerequisite for the existence and maintenance of diversity. The coherence of the regional approaches is ensured by taking into account the issues and zonings reflected in the criteria presented in the framework document accompanying the national guidelines. The national coherence of the Green and Blue Network is ensured in particular by taking into account, in regional ecological coherence plans, issues relating to : - certain protected or inventoried areas (taking into account protection or knowledge zones) ; - certain species (taking into account the connectivity needs of species sensitive to fragmentation, forming regional species lists to ensure national national consistency) ; - certain habitats (taking into account the connectivity needs of habitats sensitive to fragmentation, forming national lists of habitats responsible for ensuring the national coherence of the TVB); - ecological continuities of national importance.