F3. Green Infrastructure as socio-ecological systems: governance for the common good
Isabel Loupa-Ramos (University of Lisbon), isabel.ramos@tecnico.ulisboa.pt
Werner Rolf (Technical University of Munich)
Summary
This symposium aims to reflect on research and practice about Green Infrastructure (GI) planning with a focus on governance arrangements and how it contributes to transformative action towards sustainable development of cities and beyond. Building on the concept that humans are part of nature, addressing GI as a socio-ecological system enables to explore a broader set of relationships between pattern and processes and people and action. We expect to follow up sound science-based evidence on the GI concept, highlighting linkages and knowledge gaps, and to shape the research agenda further to enhance GI planning.
Description
Since the EU GI Strategy as adopted in 2013, GI planning has gained attention on the policy agenda. Further momentum is given by the European Green Deal by envisioning transition towards sustainability. Also, the Territorial Agenda 2030 and the reviewed Leipzig Charter call for novel approaches to multi-level governance that can promote territorial coherence and cohesion.
Understanding that besides “government” and public policies, there is also “governance” as the interactions through which government, other public bodies, private sector, and civil society participate, aiming at solving societal problems and creating societal opportunities. Therefore, gathering experiences from regions with different planning cultures provides valuable insights and enables exploring alternative governance arrangements.
Building on the concept that humans are part of nature, addressing GI as a socio-ecological system enables to explore a broader set of relationships between pattern and processes and people and action. In this regard sound science-based evidence is required to inform GI planning promoting inclusive planning processes and address the question on how the common good can be equally available to all, both in space and time, promoting better ecological livelihoods.
We expect to follow up on the gained knowledge and experience on the GI concept of the past years in this regard, to highlight linkages and knowledge gaps, to shape the research agenda further to enhance GI planning.
The following questions are of interest in this regard:
- Who are the stakeholders? What are their interests in GI?
- How does landscape stewardship effect/impact GI planning?
- What policy framework across sectors is suitable for GI planning?
- What is the role of regulations and funding structures?
- How can GI contribute to bridging the ‘urban/rural divide’?
- Which governance arrangement are effective to trigger transformative action?
Impact
A special issue in an international ranked journal is being considered by the symposium organizers, depending on the interest of the session contributors, which will be all encouraged and invited for publication in this special issue.