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Project Code [2012-B-DS-5]
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Project title
Integrating ecosystem approaches, green infrastructure and spatial planning (ECO-Plan)
Primary Funding Agency
Environmental Protection Agency
Co-Funding Organisation(s)
n/a
Lead Organisation
University College Dublin (UCD)
Lead Applicant
Mark Scott
Project Abstract
The ecosystem approach (EA) and green infrastructure (GI) have emerged as key concepts for sustainable environmental management; however, at present, both EA and GI are poorly integrated with spatial planning systems that are responsible for regulating land-use and the built environment. This project addresses this deficit by evaluating the EA and GI concepts and will provide guidelines, methodologies and a planning toolkit for the effective integration of EA/GI into spatial planning frameworks from national to local levels. The specific objectives of the study include: to provide an understanding of EA for sustainable environmental management and the potential of the green infrastructure concept as an integrative policy tool, including international best practice; to identify the international and national legislative and policy frameworks underpinning biodiversity and nature conservation, and to evaluate how these relate to the spatial planning system; to provide a baseline study of current national practice in relation to EA, GI and spatial planning; to develop a cross-sectoral and stakeholder-based approach to identify pathways towards integrating EA/GI into spatial planning frameworks; and to develop recommendations and guidelines for the effective integration of EA/GI and spatial planning. The principal output will be a step-by-step framework for the development of an ecosystem approach, which operationalises the Green Infrastructure concept within the planning system. To support the use of the guidelines, a full report will be prepared and targeted at policy-makers and major environmental stakeholders. There will also be a project website and an end of project dissemination workshop. As part of post-project dissemination, a web-based planning toolkit will be developed along with a series of CPD seminars for planning and design professionals. It is expected that the project will result in at least three peer-reviewed publications in journals.
Grant Approved
�74,106.20
Research Hub
Natural Environment
Research Theme
Sectoral Impacts on Biodiversity
Initial Projected Completion Date
01/04/2014