Ecological connectivity of urban quiet areas: the case of Mytilene, Greece

The short and long term ecological consequences of environmental noise, one of the major pollutants of the cityscape, vary among different spatio-temporal scales. The degree of functional and structural connectivity of landscapes is a critical issue that could be associated with numerous ecological processes at various scales, in both, rural and urban environments. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the ecological connectivity of two quiet areas in the city of Mytilene (Greece), using the DPSIR (Driving force–Pressure–State–Impact–Response) framework. DPSIR focuses on the description of environmental problems and their relationships with other socio-economic factors. Traffic volume increase and population growth (Driving forces), the increased urbanization (Pressure), the current condition of Mytilene’s quiet areas (State), the effects of environmental noise (Impact) and the efforts of quiet area connectivity (Response), are assessed. The application of the DPSIR framework provided feedback regarding the cause-effect relationship between the urban acoustic environment and its users. Firstly, the following maps were created with the purpose of assessing the impact of road traffic noise on the two quiet areas: 1) a noise map, using the CadnaA software and 2) an acoustic complexity map using the free open source QGiS software. Secondly, the results of noise level measurements and of the Acoustic Complexity Index were statistically analyzed. The results showed a strong negative correlation due to background traffic noise, diminishing the complexity of the acoustic environment. The above are helpful in developing plans regarding the structural connection of Mytilene’s quiet areas. Nevertheless, further ecological research is necessary concerning the functional connectivity of these areas. In conclusion, recommendations are provided so as to preserve urban quiet areas, promoting ecological connectivity and limiting the negative effects of environmental noise on human health and the quality of the overall environment including biodiversity levels.