Evaluation of Formal and Informal Spatial Coastal Area Planning Process in Baltic Sea Region.

Edgars Pudzis,Marii Prii-Pärn,Malin Josefina Hallor,Johanna Hagström,Krista Krumina,Andrejs Lazdins,Mark Grimitliht,Charlotta Björklund,Susanne Vävare,Ingela Granqvist,Una Krutova,Indra Ciuksa,Maris Kalinka,Jevgenija Butnicka,Armands Auzins,Sanda Geipele

doi:10.3390/ijerph18094895

Abstract

Many shared views of both scholars and practitioners reflect spatial planning as a place-creating process that must be understood from a multi-level perspective. Formal and informal planning modes have variations in planning practices in different countries. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the interaction of formal and informal spatial planning in the frame of the spatial planning system in the Baltic Sea region. We were searching to highlight the involvement possibilities of territorial communities in the spatial planning process around the Baltic Sea region, focusing on coastal areas and their specific features in Latvia, Estonia, the Åland Islands of Finland, and Sweden. Involved experts expressed views based on a pre-developed model to identify how institutionalized formal spatial planning relates with informal interventions. This allowed the development and proposal of a model for coastal area spatial planning and implementation. We concluded that in the spatial planning approach, the governance works differently in different countries, and coastal area spatial planning differs from regular spatial planning. The information base is sufficient to initiate spatial planning at the municipal level, but municipalities should be more active, involving territorial communities in the planning, implementation, and control of municipal spatial planning, as this ensures a greater interest in the use of planning outcome.

Highlights

The hypothesis of this study is confirmed because there is evidence that spatial planning systems are in the process of transformation and “approach” the local population, as the focus of development shifts to the needs of a particular person in a specific place using new informal methods
According to research questions mentioned in the introduction of this study and the multi-element research conducted, it can be concluded:. Both similarities and differences of spatial planning approaches have been detected in different countries that are placed around one water object, namely the Baltic
Spatial planning systems are changing to more “bottom-up” systems, but each country is conducting these processes in different ways

Summary

Introduction

In the coastal areas of the Baltic Sea region, there are several sustainable development problems identified, e.g., environmental pollution, community living, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage. A comprehensive and local needs-based planning approach to the sustainable development of maritime and coastal areas in the Baltic Sea region is relevant and better for decision-making by local and regional governments [1]. The formal and informal spatial planning process of the coastal zone needs to be evaluated. To understand the importance and interrelationship of formal and informal planning, it is necessary to assess the stages of mobilization, planning, implementation, and monitoring (analysis structure)

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion