Exploring Substantive Interfaces between Spatial Planning and Ecological Networks in Germany

Abstract

There is broad consensus among European policy-makers that ecological networks are indispensable for safeguarding Europe's biodiversity and that spatial planning plays a vital role in establishing them. Ecological networks can be incorporated into spatial planning through substantive or procedural integration. This article explores the substantive interfaces between spatial planning and ecological networks in Germany—a country that is rooted in a tradition of comprehensive integrated spatial planning and has a highly codified and formalized planning system. Furthermore, the contribution discusses barriers to the integration of spatial planning and ecological networks in Germany and offers recommendations on how to improve current practice.

Acknowledgements

The article is based on research undertaken in the context of the project ‘Spatial Planning and Ecological Networks’, which was funded by the former Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (MinLNV; project nr. ond/2006/10/02) and coordinated by the ECNC-European Centre for Nature Conservation. The author is particularly grateful to Juliane Albrecht, Lars Stratmann and Ulrich Walz for their insightful and inspiring comments.

Notes

It is important to note that Natura 2000, although termed ‘a coherent European ecological network of special areas of conservation’ (Habitats Directive, 1992, article 3.1), is not based on any legal requirement for the spatial connectivity of sites. The provisions of article 10 of the Habitats Directive are only non-binding recommendations to the Member States.

There is no landscape planning at federal level. However, the Federal Nature Conservation Act specifies overall objectives and principles of nature conservation and landscape management, including general provisions on ecological networks.