Examination of the Interpretation of Strategic Spatial Planning in Three Cases from Turkey1

Earlier version of this article was presented in the International Conference named “New concepts and approaches for Urban and Regional Policy and Planning?” held in Leuven on 2–3 April 2007.

Abstract

Strategic spatial planning is a multi-actor approach through which relevant parties come together, discuss the problems and potentials of their locality and formulate a shared vision, strategies and projects for multiple sectors. Obviously, this planning approach comprises certain methods and techniques; however, it is reinterpreted in different ways in the planning systems of different countries due to their specific legislative, economic, administrative and social backgrounds. What is more, the use of this approach may vary even between localities in the same country, depending on the perception of the stakeholders and methods of collaboration. Despite varying perceptions and methods of adoption, it is possible to say that contemporary strategic planning practices display two constants, which are (1) a multi-actor (or participatory) planning process and (2) a multi-dimensional (or multi-sectoral) plan. Once these two characteristics are provided, the so-called nation-specific and local-specific differences show themselves in the organization of multi-actor planning processes, and in the contents and forms of strategic plans. The method of adoption and interpretation of the mentioned characteristics is illustrated by three cases (at regional, provincial and local levels) from Turkey.

Notes

Earlier version of this article was presented in the International Conference named “New concepts and approaches for Urban and Regional Policy and Planning?” held in Leuven on 2–3 April 2007.

In this study, the term “spatial” refers to any territorial planning scale (urban, provincial, regional).

In the planning literature, there exist a variety of terms (e.g. participatory, collaborative, deliberative and so on) that imply the multi-actor involvement in a planning process. These terms might refer to differentiating manners of actors' interaction. Keeping this in mind, this study prefers using the term “participatory” or “participation” to imply interaction of multiple actors in a planning process.

Local development refers to the development of a locality in all physical, economic, social and cultural dimensions.

The term “locality” can refer to cities, city-regions and regions.

“Stakeholders” refer to parties who are affected by, or affect, an issue. In this study, the terms “stakeholder” and “actor” are used interchangeably.

Governance refers to the improvement of the capabilities of municipalities and local parties, and their mutual interaction in local policy-making processes.

The Local Agenda 21 (LA21) was introduced in the 1992 Rio Conference. It promotes a participatory, long-term, strategic planning process that helps municipalities define local priorities for sustainable development and implement long-term action plans (ICLEI, 2007).