Effects of protected areas on the expansion of impervious surfaces in their vicinity : Evidence from Dutch Natura 2000

Protected areas can fully deliver their nature conservation function if human-induced disturbances are minimized not just inside their boundaries, but also in their immediate surroundings. This is particularly true for urbanization, which is highly disruptive and generally permanent. This paper aims to investigate how urban growth rates vary as a function of distance from Dutch Natura 2000 areas. More specifically, it looks at whether these areas might exert an effect on urbanization rates over a given distance, and which physical and management factors are associated with urbanization rates w... Mehr ...