biokäytäviä

Biokäytävät, meaning biocorridors or ecological corridors in English, are a concept in ecology and urban planning focused on creating and maintaining linear strips of natural habitat or semi-natural areas that connect larger, isolated patches of habitat. The primary purpose of biokäytävät is to facilitate the movement of species between these larger areas. This movement is crucial for the survival and genetic diversity of many plant and animal populations, especially in fragmented landscapes.

Fragmented landscapes, often caused by human development such as agriculture, infrastructure, and urbanization, can isolate populations, limiting gene flow and increasing the risk of local extinction. Biokäytävät act as bridges, allowing organisms to disperse, find new food sources, mates, and breeding grounds. They can also serve as refuges for species during environmental changes or extreme weather events.

The design and implementation of biokäytävät can vary greatly. They can include forests, wetlands, hedgerows, riverbanks, or even carefully managed urban green spaces. The effectiveness of a biokäytävä depends on factors such as its width, the quality of the habitat it provides, and the permeability for the target species.

In urban environments, biokäytävät are increasingly recognized as important tools for enhancing biodiversity, improving air and water quality, and providing recreational opportunities. They contribute to the overall ecological resilience of urban areas and can help mitigate the impacts of climate change. Successful biokäytävä projects often involve collaboration between different stakeholders, including government agencies, landowners, and community groups.