Connecting Natura 2000 Areas on the Island of Falster

Abstract Creating networks of nature corridors to connect fragmented natural areas is crucial for maintaining biodiversity, enabling species movement and enhancing ecosystem resilience in landscapes that are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of human activity and climate change. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis aimed at enhancing ecological connectivity between designated Natura 2000 areas on the Island of Falster, located within Guldborgsund Municipality, Denmark. A literature review of relevant ke y concepts and political statutes act as the scientific basis for this project, and a presentation of our methodology elucidates our process. In combining comparative species and habitat analyses, on -site field observations and geographic spatial analyses of land use and environmental data, we assess the current state of biodiversity and landscape fragmentation on Falster. These benchmark indicators, in tandem with guiding international and national nature management frameworks, construct a set of criteria that inform a final proposal for nature connectivity on the Island. Shaped by species-specific habitat needs and existing landscape infrastructure, and with clear management initiatives and legal-political considerations in mind, the proposed network of corridors aims to strengthen habitat continuity, promote biodiversity resilience, and increase community involvement across the Island. The writing of this paper is accompanied by photographs taken on fieldwork, and an assortment of maps and illustrations t o visualize our narrative. The final discussion in this paper emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure effective management and adaptive conservation strategies, as well as other limitations and considerations. We hope that this integrative approach to creating ecological corridors offers a realistic strategy for Guldborgsund Municipality to pursue in their development plans, and serves as a replicable model for municipal-level conservation planning in similarly fragmented environments.