+

Developing an integrated approach for the strategic monitoring of regional spatial plans

By Andre Mascarenhasa, Tomas B. Ramosb, Luis Nunesc

Presented by Inga BelokurovaFebruary 9th 2015

+Outline:

• Abstract• Why is a conceptual framework for monitoring

necessary?• Research Design• Monitoring of RSP’s – Issues and Approaches• Portuguese Planning context• Conceptual Framework• Goals of the Conceptual Framework• Sustainability in Algarve, Portugal • Issues and questions• Conclusion and recommendations

+Monitoring

Image: Laurie Lipton, 2014

+Abstract Monitoring is a challenging and fundamental issue within planning processes, yet there

is little under- standing as to whether plans achieved their goals in guaranteeing sustainable development on a territorial level. Follow-up of spatial planning is rather difficult due to insufficient methodologies, deficiencies in plans’ contents and resource limitations. The main goal of this research is to develop and test a conceptual framework to support the development of effective indicator based regional spatial plans’ (RSPs) monitoring systems. The conceptual framework includes indicators with distinct purposes and has the following features: (i) it establishes links between RSPs, their strategic environmental assessment and monitoring indicators; (ii) it incorporates the contribution of other existing monitoring systems in the regions; and (iii) it defines specific indicator selection criteria. In order to inform the development of the conceptual framework we: (i) review international practice of RSP monitoring; (ii) analyze the features of current Portuguese RSPs; (iii) test the conceptual framework using the RSP and the regional sustain- ability indicator system of the Algarve region (Portugal) as a case study. Two types of indicators were developed – output/implementation and results/effects – for improving the identification of cause-effect relationships between RSP implementation and associated territorial effects; although this is a continuing challenge, given the strategic nature of RSPs. The usefulness of the conceptual framework was demonstrated in the definition of monitoring indicators for the Algarve’s RSP, as well as in the integration of an existing regional sustainability monitoring system.

+Abstract Strategic monitoring is vital for spatial plans

There are challenges and issues

Do plans achieve their goals?

Testing a Conceptual Framework:

1. Establishing links between RSP’s, SEA and indicators of monitoring

2. Contribute to the existing system of monitoring in the region

3. Follow specific criteria, based on the current and predicted state of development processes

+Abstract

Review international (European) practice of RSP monitoring

Analyze current Portuguese RSP’s

Test their system and concept based on current planning practice

Case study: Algarve, South Portugal

The researchers aim to:

+ Why is a conceptual framework for monitoring necessary?

Spatial Planning is important for sustainability and SD

It is not achieved independently

Decisions can face possible mistakes and complexities

Knowledge-based issues and misunderstanding as a human factor

Limited involvement of stakeholders

Most controversial aspect in SEA and SD processes

Monitoring used to be required on all levels of spatial planning only in UK, Netherlands, Denmark previously

Chaker et al. 2006

+Monitoring RSP’sPortuguese Planning Context within European Spatial Planning

+Research Design

What is happening and what might happen?

Current evaluation and forecasting of the planning process in Portugal

What are the indicators?

What are the existing policies, guidelines and practices?

Some general Questions asked:

+Monitoring of RSP’s

EU

National

Regional

Local(Municipal)

• Funding issues• Annual review• Credibility

• Responding and presenting• Funding

• Scarce resource availability• Accumulative impact on national level• Corruption

• Economic and labour issues• Lack of development potential• Cultural aspects

Issues:

+Monitoring of RSP’s

• Selecting a timescale

• Data collection• Identifying

key issues

Selection of Indicators

• Data processing• Data Analysis

‘Abstraction’ of Goals

• Finding and identifying

• Risk assessment

• Human factor errors

Uncertainties

• Evaluation• Impact• Results• Further

continuous monitoring

Strategic Plans

Approaches:

Evaluation

IS

Subjective

+Portuguese Planning Context

Define guidelines for land-use

Strategies of land management on a regional level

Promotion of integrated sector and environmental policies…

at regional level

Provide guidelines for municipal (local) spatial plans

Monitoring and improvement of spatial plans has been made mandatory by Portuguese and European Law since 2005

Main Goals of RSP’s

+Conceptual Framework

+Conceptual Framework

Adopt a generic RSP structure with indicators fit for purpose

Indicate content types and indicators across other relevant RSP’s

Improve integration between RSP’s and SEA

Improve indicator selection criteria based on current situation

Improve selection process of involved participators and stakeholders

Only for RSP monitoring processes

How was it made:

+Goals of the Conceptual Framework

Function of each indicator

Links between indicators and contents

Contribution to existing monitoring tools

Organize the following:

+Goals of the Conceptual Framework

Output Implementation

Outcomes Effects

+ Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal

+ Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal

+Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal

A dynamic region, competitive and solidary in the context of the knowledge society

Ambition

Qualify and diversify the tourism/leisure cluster

Strengthen and qualify the economy, to promote knowledge intensive activities

Strategic Goals

Vision, Ambition and Strategic Goals:

+Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal

Environmental sustainability

Territorial rebalance

Urban structuring

Qualification and diversification of tourism

Protection and enhancement of historical–

archeological heritage

Structuring of the collective infrastructure network

Structuring of the transportation and logistics

network

Territorial Strategic Options:

+Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal

Territorial Strategy

Territorial Model

Urban system

Tourism system

Littoral system

Environmental system

Accessibility and mobility system

Guiding Standards

General Standards

Specific Standards

according to Area and unit

Territorial Models, Systems and Standards:

+ Issues and Questions

Baseline situation?

What to monitor?

Is is measurable?

Availability of data?

Quality of data?

Strategic effects?

What has been already done?

+Conclusions and Recommendations

Relatively slow mechanism of implementation as an outcome, yet very promising in Portuguese planning context

72 indicators for monitoring revealed

Adaptation of monitoring of Natura 2000 sites across Algarve region

Some monitoring aspects might be relevant only to Portugal, thus not universal, but adaptable

Further research work is likely to be taking place

+THANK YOU

No Questions!