Implementation of ecological network in existing conditions of municipal spatial management

Contemporary socio-economic development requires a rational and sustainable land management. The pressure for urbanization and building development, existing infrastructural barriers and creation of the new ones, contribute to fragmentation of landscape and thus increase isolation of biologically active areas. Idea of ecological network as a tool for maintaining ecological connectivity is not new and has broad theoretical bases, but implementation of this concept in real-life scenarios is very challenging. The article presents existing formal and legal possibilities of implementing ecological networks, enacted as a part of municipal spatial policy. Differentiated approach to implementation of the idea of ecological connectivity is presented on the example of two suburban municipalities Piaseczno and Góra Kalwaria. Ecological network and especially ecological corridors in these areas have varied status of nature conservation and development of investments is implemented either in accordance with local spatial development plans or, in case of lack of the plans, in accordance with development conditions decision. Analysis of changes in spatial development of the municipalities was used to identify risk areas of losing the ecological connectivity.