Enhancing Biodiversity and Environmental Sustainability in Intermodal Transport: A GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Evaluation Framework

Mladen Krstić (), Snežana Tadić, Pier Paolo Miglietta and Donatella Porrini
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Mladen Krstić: Department of Economic Sciences, University of Salento, Via Monteroni snc, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Snežana Tadić: Logistics Department, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Vojvode Stepe 305, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Pier Paolo Miglietta: Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Via Monteroni snc, 73100 Lecce, Italy
Donatella Porrini: Department of Economic Sciences, University of Salento, Via Monteroni snc, 73100 Lecce, Italy

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-26

Abstract: Biodiversity is essential for the health and stability of our planet, contributing to ecosystem services like pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. However, it faces significant threats from human activities, including habitat destruction and pollution. Transportation infrastructure, if not carefully managed, can fragment habitats and disrupt wildlife migration, exacerbating biodiversity loss. Thus, incorporating environmental and biodiversity considerations into transport planning is crucial for promoting long-term sustainability. Accordingly, the goal of this paper is to define a framework for evaluating and ranking intermodal transport routes based on their impact on the environment and biodiversity. The study employs a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) model, combining input from interactive GIS maps and stakeholders with a novel hybrid approach. The MCDM part of the model combines fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methods for obtaining the criteria weights and the Axial Distance-based Aggregated Measurement (ADAM) method for obtaining the final ranking of the routes. This methodology application on several Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) routes revealed that the Hamburg/Bremerhaven–Wurzburg–Verona route had the least environmental and biodiversity impact. The study identified the Rotterdam–Milano route as the optimal choice, balancing sustainability, ecological preservation, and transport efficiency. The route minimizes ecological disruption, protects biodiversity, and aligns with European Union strategies to reduce environmental impact in infrastructure projects. The study established a framework for evaluating intermodal transport routes based on environmental and biodiversity impacts, balancing efficiency with ecological responsibility. It makes significant contributions by integrating biodiversity criteria into transport planning and introducing a novel combination of GIS and MCDM techniques for route assessment.

Keywords: biodiversity; sustainability; intermodal transport; geographic information system (GIS); Delphi; decision-making-trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL); axial distance-based aggregated measurement (ADAM) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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