The Ecological Challenge as an Opportunity and Input for Innovative Strategies of Integrated Planning

Abstract

The current complex challenges brought about by development, the need to make it increasingly sustainable and the human origin of the environmental crisis require an integrated ecological approach that may combine seemingly different aspects, which, actually, are closely linked to each other. Since the concepts of sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness, as qualities of cities and human settlements, are among the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (Goal 11), the real ambitious challenge is to start synergic collaborations between ecology, economy, legislation, spatial planning and territorial governance and society, trying to pave the way to circular economy and to a widespread culture of sustainability. In this context, the green economy is a must for spatial and urban planning in order to turn challenges into extraordinary opportunities of regeneration and safeguard of cities and territories, above all of those which are more at risk and environmentally deteriorated. Many European cities have started policies, programmes, and innovative actions that include projects combining regeneration and adaptation, invest in the natural capital, promote green infrastructures and more sustainable mobility, and improve the effective use of resources. This paper deals with the above-mentioned issues and examines the possible developments of an integrated ecological approach in ordinary spatial planning.