Start: 01/01/2021, ongoing

Spatial planning is frequently mentioned as a key discipline in the coordination and implementation of climate change adaptation measures. The project therefore investigates existing and possible implementation paths to take account of adaptation needs in planning decisions in the Alpine region. The analysis refers to the objectives of the Climate Council of the Alpine Convention and to the cross-sectoral policies of the Macroregional Strategy for the Alpine region (EUSALP).

The study naturally builds on previous research projects. In addition to the status quo analysis, the current implementation paths of climate-resilient spatial planning in the Alpine region are evaluated on the basis of an empirical study, and action priorities are identified. An international stakeholder workshop in a pilot community discusses the potential and limitations of incorporating adaptation needs into planning decisions. The project is carried out on behalf of the Austrian Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism (BMLRT) and funded by the AlpGov2 project. The project is conducted in close cooperation with the EUSALP Action Group 8 – Risk Governance.

For more information, please visit the EUSALP homepage, opens an external URL in a new window.

Start: 01/11/2020, ongoing

A key challenge in climate change adaptation for cities and municipalities arises from the lack of options to manage green and blue infrastructure effectively with existing planning tools. During practical implementation, numerous issues arise that affect all municipalities regardless of their size. This starts with the integration of green and climate-resilient development goals into planning laws and thus also into planning instruments (especially zoning and development plans). Also, this directly gives rise to legal questions as to the possibilities and limits of planning instruments and procedures, differences in implementation with regard to the existing building stock and new builds, and the fundamental question of how implementation can be examined with regard to its impact on the climate.

All spatially effective (policy) decisions are climate-relevant, but the legal planning system is not yet climate-sensitive. In Austria, there is neither a well-prepared investigation of possible approaches and starting points for adapting to the consequences of climate change in and with landscape, urban and spatial planning, nor a climate-related assessment of the strategies and instruments themselves.

A central aspect of the research project is therefore the question of a “climate-proofing mechanism” in the Austrian spatial planning context. To date there has been no comprehensive discussion of climate change adaptation via planning instruments and procedures. The research project aims to stimulate debate and provide a basis for the policy (and planning) implementation processes.

This project is supported by the Climate and Energy Fund and conducted as part of the ACRP – 12th Call, opens an external URL in a new window programme. 

The Research Unit Land Policy and Land Management is working on the research project with the Institute of Landscape Planning (ILAP), opens an external URL in a new window at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna.

Contact: Arthur Schindelegger 

For more information, visit: boku.ac.at/rali/ilap/projekte/climate-proofing-of-urban-planning-instruments, opens an external URL in a new window

 

Start: 04/2015, ongoing

Prof. Arthur Kanonier has managed the Law Collection (Rechtssammlung) of the Austrian Conference on Spatial Planning (ÖROK) along with members of the Research Unit for many years. This is updated on the ÖROK website (www.oerok.gv.at, opens an external URL in a new window) every six months (April and September). In view of the very diverse nature of spatial planning law, the ÖROK Law Collection on spatial planning aims to provide an overview of the currently applicable versions and make it easier to navigate the various legal standards relevant to spatial planning. The complex allocation of powers and the nine different legal frameworks mean that the legal principles are diverse and not clear from the outset. 
 
A short summary gives an overview of the most important changes and innovations in spatial planning law over the past six months, as well as an overview of recent case law of the highest courts (Austrian Constitutional Court, Supreme Administrative Court).

The Law Chronicle (Rechtschronik) is available online at: www.oerok.gv.at/raum/daten-und-grundlagen/rechtssammlung/rechtschronik, opens an external URL in a new window

 

Ongoing

Under the title “Public Value Capture of Increasing Property Values”, a COST Action is currently under way that deals with questions of value capture and the challenge of taxing zoning gains. Arthur Schindelegger brings his expertise to the project on behalf of the Research Unit Land Policy and Land Management.

For more information, please visit: www.cost.eu/actions/CA17125/, opens an external URL in a new window

Ongoing

Under the title “Natural Flood Retention on Private Land”, Prof. Arthur Kanonier and Arthur Schindelegger regularly contribute to the scientific dialogue on topics related to climate change and associated flood events.

Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of future flood events, leading to higher costs of flood damage and increased public demand for protection measures. Traditional flood protection measures, relying mainly on grey infrastructure (dykes, dams, etc.), are not sufficient on their own to cope with dynamic flood risk.

The challenge is to ensure multifunctional land uses that allow temporary flood protection and flood storage. The COST action LAND4FLOOD aims to address these different aspects and to establish a common knowledge base and channels of communication among scientists, authorities, land owners and other stakeholders in the field.

Participants: Arthur Kanonier, Arthur Schindelegger

For more information, please visit: www.land4flood.eu, opens an external URL in a new window