Abstract Summary
Over the last few years, Witteveen+Bos has extended its knowledge on pedestrian oriented spatial design. One of the tools that we have developed is called the “loopmonitor” (EN: Pedestrian Traffic Monitor). With this tool we use spatial data to generate a model that can estimate pedestrian intensity in urban areas. There is a parallel between pedestrians and wild animals in the need to use and move through the city. With the growing attention for nature-inclusive cities, the question how cities can facilitate in the needs of wildlife species becomes important. We have identified a knowledge gap and potential for further research with respect to ecological connectivity and accessibility of urban spaces for ground-dwelling wildlife. Together with potential clients we would like to explore the opportunities and challenges of a so-called Wildlife Traffic Monitor for cities. The aim of this model is to help municipalities and spatial designers to identify potential bottlenecks in an early stage of the design process and improve wildlife migration in cities through spatial development. The reasoning behind this is that such a model could help making strategic decisions about locations for new infrastructure corridors and could help save additional costs for wildlife infrastructure constructions. For the in-person workshop, we would like to create a team of experts among which, ecologists, spatial planners/designers, traffic specialists and a data specialist. We would like the attendees to work on a particular case of a potential future redevelopment area in Amsterdam and view the area from the point of view of a wild animal that has adapted relatively well to the city: a hedgehog. The attendees are challenged to identify potential bottlenecks and opportunities for spatial movement and livability for ground-dwelling fauna. As the outcome of this workshop we would like have a first evaluation of the parameters (e.g. connectivity, disturbance light/sound, infrastructure fragmentation) that we propose to be included in the Wildlife Migration Monitor model. Furthermore, we would like to evaluate the potential of such a model as a base for future area developments. To what extent can such a wildlife movement prediction model be of interest for policy makers and spatial planners and designers? Recently, the municipality of Amsterdam announced that all its newly developed areas will be located within its existing city limits. Former industrial sites and business parks now become premium locations for redevelopment. Furthermore, these sites are often characterized by their poor accessibility and lack of greenery. Therefore we propose to work on a case for the Riekerhaven area in Amsterdam.
