What are the most effective strategies for managing wildlife crossings in traffic engineering?

3 Maintenance and management

Maintenance and management are important for ensuring the functionality and durability of wildlife crossings, as well as preventing or resolving any issues or conflicts that may arise. Maintenance and management can include activities such as cleaning, repairing, inspecting, upgrading, or modifying wildlife crossings, as well as managing the vegetation, drainage, lighting, signage, and access around wildlife crossings. Maintenance and management can also involve coordinating and collaborating with various stakeholders, such as road authorities, landowners, conservation groups, researchers, and local communities.

4 Education and awareness

Education and awareness are crucial for increasing the understanding and appreciation of wildlife crossings among the public and the professionals involved in traffic engineering. Education and awareness can include initiatives such as developing and disseminating information materials, organizing workshops and seminars, conducting field trips and site visits, creating and promoting online platforms, and engaging and involving the media and the public. Education and awareness can also help to foster a culture of respect and responsibility for wildlife and their habitats, and to encourage the adoption of best practices and standards for wildlife crossings.

5 Innovation and research

Innovation and research are key for advancing the knowledge and technology of wildlife crossings, as well as addressing the challenges and opportunities that emerge in traffic engineering. Innovation and research can include activities such as developing and testing new or improved designs, materials, methods, or tools for wildlife crossings, exploring and applying new or alternative approaches or solutions for wildlife crossings, conducting and publishing scientific studies or reports on wildlife crossings, and participating and contributing to national or international networks or forums on wildlife crossings.

6 Collaboration and integration

Collaboration and integration are vital for enhancing the coordination and cooperation among the different actors and sectors involved in wildlife crossings, as well as ensuring the consistency and compatibility of wildlife crossings with other policies and plans. Collaboration and integration can include actions such as establishing and maintaining partnerships and alliances, creating and implementing joint or shared strategies and plans, sharing and exchanging information and resources, and supporting and complementing each other's efforts and initiatives. Collaboration and integration can also help to create a common vision and goal for wildlife crossings, and to leverage the synergies and benefits of wildlife crossings for traffic engineering and beyond.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?