Ecological Network with the Human Pressure in North of Portugal
The Human development depends on global sustainable management and conservation of Earth's ecosystems. Ecosystems are complex open systems that include biological diversity in natural conditions, ecological processes and human. The industrialization, urban development, intensification of agriculture, transport, development of infrastructure led to fragmentation of natural areas that influence the life processes of ecosystems and a significant loss of biodiversity.
The ecological networks how includes, connects and relates physically and ecologically a number of areas ecosystems and even with elements and human heritage of recognized value. Networks allow transfers of mass and energy in this sense support the dynamic populations and allow migration and propagation of species. In this sense, it is important to realize the importance of the size and functioning of ecological networks on a regional scale and its relation to the strategic planning by identifying spaces that ensure interconnectivity of existing networks, and that may pose ecological corridors.
In pursuit of these objectives, we proceeded to develop a practical exercise based on a data platform of spatial data, to the proposal of an ecological network for the northern region of Portugal. While we considered the human pressure on a regional scale and potential conflict with respect to the proposal and the interest of continuity of ecological network.
The exercises and the results indicate specialization and decrease the multifunctionality of the territory and the difficulty of balancing the density of elements and human activity with environmental conservation.
This dissertation consists of the presentation of a methodology for the construction of an ecological network on a regional scale, which contributes to the protection, conservation and sustainable use of nature and biodiversity.
Mário Martins