Natura 2000 areas planning and land uses

critical issues arising by the making of special environmental studies

Abstract

The long-standing weaknesses in the implementation of a rational and integrated framework for spatial planning and management of protected areas are currently at the center of scientific interest due to a) the ongoing - from 2018 - program of Special Environmental Studies for all the areas of the Natura 2000 Network, b) the legislative efforts to modernize the zones within the protected areas and c) the country's condemnation Decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding the weakness to define conservation measures in the Special Conservation Areas (SCA) within the Network.

The paper explores the synergy between environmental planning regarding the protection of Natura areas and spatial planning - emphasizing local regulatory planning - as reflected in the current Greek spatial planning system on the occasion of the twenty-three Special Environmental Studies plan-making. In addition, it examines the failures and weaknesses of Special Environmental Studies concerning the integration of the land use system, as well as their relationship with the broader environmental policies. The Special Environmental Studies published to date were studied to investigate research questions.

Based on the conclusions, it is found that the growing influence of the European environmental law promotes has for decades promoted new models of integration and synergies between the two policy sectors (environmental and spatial-urban planning), with the Greek planning system showing timeless adaptability and weakness implementation. Continued institutional interventions and legislative initiatives are needed to clarify the conceptual background and the tools used by each sector, which will contribute to the best spatial planning practice. The most fundamental issue, that still needs special treatment, is the clarification of the way to integrate EPMs into the spatial planning system.