COSTS OF MAINTAINING ECOLOGICAL CORRIDORS FOR WILDLIFE AFFECTED BY A LARGE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT: CASE STUDY ON THE CRAIOVA – TÂRGU JIU MOTORWAY

One of the main types of impacts generated by transport infrastructure is the fragmentation of habitats and ecological corridors. This impact can be addressed through the proposal of certain impact mitigation measures, for improving the proposed projects. This paper examines the costs associated with maintaining ecological corridors for wildlife affected by a large infrastructure project, specifically the Craiova – Târgu Jiu motorway in Romania. The analysis comprises a case study on the permeability characteristics of the proposed motorway, considering specific parameters. The findings highlight the sectors of the project where permeability criteria are not met, and where wildlife is unlikely to be able to pass freely from one side of the motorway to the other. The paper proposes several types of potential impact mitigation measures, aimed at addressing this impact, and provides a financial estimation for the implementation of these measures. The study emphasizes the significance of integrating environmental measures into infrastructure development to minimize the impact on wildlife and ensure the long-term viability of ecosystems.