Spatial planning is generally identified as a key sector in climate change adaptation that supports a climate resilient development. Therefore, spatial planning receives a specific focus in the recent EUSALP activities. Foremost, the development of a common spatial development perspective is an objective within the INTERREG Alpine Space project AlpGov2. EUSALP Action Group 8 (Risk Governance) decided therefore to actively contribute to this common spatial development perspective with an overall analysis of the status quo of climate resilient spatial planning. Climate change impacts are of course closely connected to natural hazards in the Alpine area and spatial planning represents an essential component of (climate) hazard prevention.

The study seeks to evaluate the overall status quo of connecting climate change adaptation (as well as disaster risk management) with spatial planning. The study comprises a secondary analysis of the expected and observed climate signals in the Alpine region as well as a status quo analysis of climate resilient spatial planning in international and national research projects as well as national policy documents. To understand implementation activities and day-to-day practice a number of interviews with planners on national, regional and local levels as well as experts responsible for coordinating adaptation measures were conducted. Additionally, to highlight the local and regional perspective a workshop in October 2021 focussing on the Walgau valley in the province of Vorarlberg, Austria was organised.

The project was conducted on behalf of the BMLRT and funded by the AlpGov2 project. It was carried out in close cooperation with the EUSALP Action Group 8 - Risk Governance.

The results can be accessed online at: https://www.alpine-region.eu/action-group-8-Risk-governance, opens an external URL in a new window