Implementing ecological networks through the Red for Green approach in a densely populated country: Does it work?

V Simeonova,E Achterberg,E A Van Der Grift

doi:10.1007/s10668-017-0026-6

V Simeonova, E Achterberg + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-017-0026-6

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Abstract

Regional and local governments in Europe are often challenged with establishing suitable institutional practices to meet ecological targets within urban spatial development plans and address the ultimate goal of the Environmental Policy Integration (EPI). EPI has been proliferated by the European policy as the operational principle to sustainable development. Yet it is necessary to develop and apply suitable approaches that allow achieving EPI within the policy implementation practices of the local and regional authorities. Particularly in the field of urban planning, such EPI approaches are needed to more firmly integrate ecological considerations in the land-use planning process and safeguard the sustainability of urban developments. This is the case when implementing key nature policy objectives such as the development of national ecological networks (NEN) aimed at protecting biodiversity, and in which multiple actors and sectorial interests are involved. Among European countries, the Netherlands has been a forerunner in NEN development and has applied innovative approaches such as the Red for Green approach (RGA). The RGA aims to integrate ecological issues (green) in urban developments (red) and establishes a communicative platform for the actors involved in the urban developments. This study assesses the unique experiences with the RGA in seven regional case studies, identifies its key success factors and reflects on its role as a communicative practice towards EPI. The study concludes that the RGA can be a suitable approach to integrating ecological network objectives in urban developments. However, RGA’s success depends on five factors, among which the two most important are the actors’ communication and development of a shared strategic vision on developments.

Highlights

Urbanization has a significant impact on the natural environment and often results in degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats (Foley et al 2005; United Nations Habitat 2012; Coutard et al 2014)
The growing pressure on natural areas due to land scarcity, urbanization and the general call for decentralization of development activities in favour of regional governments in the Netherlands has increased the need for planning approaches such as the Red for Green approach (RGA) which can support the achievement of Environmental Policy Integration (EPI)
We have shown that the RGA is a balancing approach, but to a high degree it is a collaborative planning tool that regional authorities, private developers and nature conservation parties can use to develop parts of the national ecological networks (NEN)

Summary

Introduction

Urbanization has a significant impact on the natural environment and often results in degradation and fragmentation of natural habitats (Foley et al 2005; United Nations Habitat 2012; Coutard et al 2014). Practices have shown that, even if available, ecological knowledge is often not shared among planners or decision makers during the planning process (Mcelfish and Kihslinger 2009) In this regard, improvement in these traditional planning practices has been considered necessary to address the increasing societal needs in urban development and the competing claims for land uses by different sectors, including for green areas and nature (Berkes et al 2003; Termorshuizen et al 2007; Shandas et al 2008; Beatley 2010; CEC 2013). As justified by planning scholars, would ideally focus on involving multiple stakeholders such as planning authorities, private actors or local communities in order to resolve differences in interests in a collaborative manner (Innes and Booher 2003; Healey 2006; Nadin and Stead 2008)

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