Document: JOC-3-7-3

Comprehensive mapping of habitats in the city of Mainz, Germany - an example of communicating ecology in Central Europe.

FREY, J.*

Freiwilliges Oekologisches Jahr Rheinland-Pfalz, Zentrale Stelle (Center for Voluntary Workers in Ecological Projects, Rhineland-Palatinate), Mainz, Germany ¹

Abstract:
In Central Europe, comprehensive mapping of floristic and faunistic habitats in urban areas is regarded as a major element of applied ecological research as well as a scientific basis of nature conservation. An example is given with the project 'Habitat mapping in the City of Mainz' carried out by scientists at Johannes-Gutenberg-University Mainz in the 1990s. Its goal was to point out that 'habitat mapping' cannot be identified merely with gathering, analysis and evaluation of data, but also as a forum for communication between ecologists, planning authorities and the public. As a consequence, ecological information was provided in terms of small-scale habitat-type maps covering the Mainz territory and detailed analyses of habitat-types, including species, communities and their interactions with human influence, yet referring even to aesthetic phenomena and recreational activities. In order to get planners and citizens more involved in the project's findings, four steps were recommended: (a) environmental zoning of the landscape within the city limits, i.e. delimitation and characterization of 'urban landscape units', (b) development of habitat quality targets specified for each 'urban landscape unit', (c) assessment of each unit's habitat-types with reference to these targets, (d) development of suggestions for subsequent planning and habitat management. Adopting these propositions, it was possible to establish a way of scientifically based environmental planning corresponding with the necessities of integrated nature conservation and sustainable land use in the City of Mainz.

Keywords: urban ecology, city, habitats, mapping, nature conservation, environmental management, communication

This abstract is being presented at: 2:20 PM in session:
Symposium # 11: Urban Ecology: The Eastern and Western Perspectives.