Ecological networks or green infrastructures?

A multitude of expressions exist to designate the group of habitats and corridors used by species: ecological or habitat network, ecological infrastructure, green infrastructure, ecological corridor, etc. Among them, the term “ecological network” is the most commonly used, even if it can lead to confusion with other types of ecological network, such as food webs. Of these, the term “ecological network” is the most commonly used, even if it can lead to confusion with other types of ecological network, such as food webs. Ecological networks are distinguished from greenways by their spatial configuration and functionalities. Green infrastructures are characterized by a linear form that facilitates the transport of nutrients, organisms or materials, whereas ecological networks encompass both corridors and habitats. The notion of green infrastructure also has a more multifunctional dimension where ecological issues rub shoulders with, and are even sometimes surpassed by, social and cultural issues (nature recreation, landscape aesthetics). Since 2013, the notion of green infrastructure has been chosen by the European Union to encourage member states to maintain and preserve their ecological networks.