COHNECS-IT was developed in response to a call for projects on the role of linear transport infrastructures for biodiversity, launched in 2014, by the Linear Infrastructures and Biodiversity Club (CILB), the French Ministry of ecology, sustainable development and energy (MEDDE) and the Foundation for Research on Biodiversity (FRB).

CILB: The CILB is an informal association of firms managing linear transport infrastructures: Réseau Ferré de France (RFF), Voies navigables de France (VNF), Réseau Transport Électricité (RTE), Gestionnaire Réseau Transport gaz (GRTgaz), Transport et Infrastructures Gaz France (TIGF) and Électricité Réseau Distribution France (ERDF). The goals of the CILB are to reinforce the commitment of its members in favor of biodiversity. Here, the CILB is funding the project, and is moreover waiting for concrete answers for improving its practices.

MEDDE: The French Ministry of Ecology has steered, since 2008, a research program called “ITTECOP”, focusing on the impact of transport infrastructures on landscapes, ecosystems and societies. Here, the ITTECOP program forms the logistical framework of the project and provides its experience and network of experts.

FRB: The FRB is a French foundation for scientific cooperation created in 2008 for interfacing with scientific and operational stakeholders working with the issue of biodiversity. Here, the FRB provides a methodological support on systematic reviews.