Ecological network dynamics and environmental consideration in planning for renewable energy

Rok, strany: 2007, 227 - 249

An ecological network is a set of ecosystems linked into a spatially coherent system, which might change over time but needs to keep its conservation and stabilizing potential. The aim of the paper is to show how an ecological network in the study area of Záhorie changed over fifty years, to analyse former and remaining ecological connections in the landscape and to highlight current barriers to network operation. The following aim is to outline the potential negative environmental effects of renewable energy sources and the necessity to locate renewable energy installations under the constraints of nature conservation. Land cover databases representing the state of the landscape in 4 time horizons (1954, 1979, 1992 and 2003) were used for the analysis of landscape changes. Ecologically important segments identified in the land cover maps represent the most ecologically valuable areas and form the basis of the ecological stability system. The study focused on changes in stabilizing elements and changes in the ecological stability of the landscape system as they are important for the planning of any human activity. The present trends in energy management point to the fact that renewable energies will gain a more important position in the energy structure of the individual European Union (EU) countries. Assuming further expansion of renewable energy sources (RES) in the landscape, it is also expected that the anthropogenic impact on the landscape will increase. It may result in changes to the original geosystems. Territories primarily suitable for the development of RES represent a significant developmental potential and their environmental limits must be considered in relation to the existing anthropogenic layer, human interests and the protection of nature.

ISO 690:

Cebecauerová, M. 2007. Ecological network dynamics and environmental consideration in planning for renewable energy. In Geografický časopis, vol. 59, no.3, pp. 227-249. 0016-7193.

APA:

Cebecauerová, M. (2007). Ecological network dynamics and environmental consideration in planning for renewable energy. Geografický časopis, 59(3), 227-249. 0016-7193.