Zielartenkonzepte als Instrument für den strategischen Schutz und das Monitoring der Biodiversität in Großschutzgebieten

Abstract

Due to its complexity biodiversity cannot be measured easily – its quantification requires the selection of species which represent biodiversity. The systematic and criteria-based selection of target species provides a pragmatic solution. These target species are representative for the biocoenoses in the characteristic types of biotopes and ecosystems within a planning area. This approach allows to qualitatively and quantitatively derive and justify aims of nature conservation, to use them as simple indicators e. g. to prove the sustainability of a certain land use or the success of conservation measures, and to publicly communicate conservation objectives. This can be particularly helpful in large protected areas since they have to fulfil certain aims of conservation and sustainability as large-scale sections of the landscape. This paper defines the term and the functions of target species with a particular focus on large protected areas. It describes the methodical approach to establish a concept of target species including the applicable criteria using the examples of the nature parks Spessart and Diemelsee. For the nature park Diemelsee a particular emphasis has been laid on plant and animal species reacting sensitively to climate change since they require specific protection. Another innovative approach describes the use of target species in the context of the marketing of organic products from biosphere reserves which verifiably improve biodiversity. The selection of the target species has to ensure that their spatial demands are compatible with the respective planning level. Then the target species can integrate the planning target of biodiversity in spatially relevant planning projects. An evaluation based on target species allows the early identification of possible conflict issues and their mastering in the course of the planning process. This can help to relieve, accelerate and even cheapen the later planning process.