Integration von ökologischem Wissen in die Raumplanung - Das Beispiel Alpweiden im Glarnerland

Only by integrating ecological knowlegde can spatial planning become more sustainable. The case study identifies the kind of ecological knowledge necessary for a succesful integration. The main methodological issue appears to be the different spatial scales at which the two disciplines - ecology and planning - work. Methods available for grassland mostly scale up from small-scale research in ecology to larger scales in planning. For alpine pastures, we suggest a new method by subdividing planning zones into smaller areas according to ecological criteria based on scientific results. Four example areas that are, or, are not, suitable for use as alpine pasture can be distinguished using ecological criteria derived from maps, aerial photographs and inventories. A subdivision of the pastures into zones suitable for a more specific form of management (e.g. type of manuring) entails detailed knowledge of the area and additional field research. We suggest using this in the spatial planning of communities and link it to management at the farm level by integrating the local knowledge of farmers.