Abstract ID: 3.12624 | Accepted as Talk | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

The European Alps represent a biodiversity hotspot, with unique ecosystems that are increasingly threatened by land-use pressures and climate change. Numerous conservation efforts aim to counteract these threats. However, the lack of Alpine-wide coordination, significant regional differences in protected areas management, and inconsistent approaches to documenting and studying biodiversity, have resulted in fragmented conservation strategies. To establish common conservation priorities and inform effective policies, a comprehensive, transnational assessment of biodiversity patterns, state and distribution is essential.
In the Interreg Alpine Space Project AlpsLife, we aim to compile data from across the Alps to assess biodiversity status and identify areas requiring conservation or restoration efforts, referred to as “urgent-need-to-act” areas (UTAAs). In our presentation, we will outline the steps for identifying UTAAs and introduce three key maps designed to guide conservation actions. The first map highlights biodiversity hotspots, identifying priority areas for protection and monitoring. The second map focusses on ecological connectivity, identifying critical corridors that support large mammals and migratory species. The third map targets landscapes at low elevation with high biodiversity and fragmentation potential, prioritizing them for ecological restoration.
These maps undergo a three-stage evaluation process: biodiversity scientists assess scientific criteria; regional stakeholders evaluate the content, accuracy, and relevance of the maps; and key decision-makers contribute to the identification and delineation of the final UTAAs, defining the specific actions required for each region. By integrating scientific research with stakeholder engagement, our approach ensures that conservation priorities are both, evidence-based and practically implementable. Ultimately, our initiative aims to translate research into long-term management strategies, fostering international collaboration to preserve Alpine´s biodiversity.