Cover Picture: Maria-Rast Wiese Eppan / Appiano, LIA Collective

 

Spatial planning in the Alpine region: BrokeringSpaces

The project BrokeringSpaces aims to develop new approaches to spatial planning in the Alpine region. It focuses on creating transformational pathways for sustainable and inclusive spatial planning at local, regional, and national levels while developing practical strategies to minimize land consumption and promote climate adaptation measures. By analyzing and combining national and regional legislation with local traditions, the project seeks to establish effective and implementable pathways tailored to diverse needs.

Project Objectives

  • Development of practical approaches to sustainable spatial planning
  • Reduction of land consumption
  • Promotion of climate adaptation measures
  • Combination of national and regional legislation with local traditions
  • Tailored solutions for specific regional needs
  • Creation of a transnational handbook with practical solutions and decision-making aids for municipalities
  • Development of scenarios to support decision-making for local authorities and regional planning agencies
  • Knowledge transfer and exchange of best practices across the Alpine region

The project’s innovative approach lies in combining formal legal tools with informal instruments to foster stronger collaboration among different levels of governance (local, regional, national). The project partners are jointly developing a Transformation Scenario Scheme, which integrates national legislation flexibly into local tools while strengthening the involvement of local stakeholders.

 

Why Should South Tyrol Address These Issues?

Land consumption continues to rise in South Tyrol, jeopardizing the province’s climate goals. The Land Platform reviewed recent data from the Italian Environmental Agency ISPRA: in 2023, an additional 71.11 hectares were sealed in South Tyrol. This brings the total sealed area to 20,253 hectares, approximately 2.74% of the total provincial area and nearly half of the potentially inhabitable land.

At the same time, about half of the municipalities reported no increase in sealed land, and eight municipalities even recorded a reduction in sealed areas.

Long-term data reveals fluctuating trends in land use: From 2006 to 2012, about 40 hectares were sealed annually; Between 2012 and 2015, annual consumption surged to over 100 hectares, marking the most intensive phase of land use; Since 2018, the annual increase has stabilized at around 75 hectares.

Despite this stabilization, the overall trend remains alarming, as the sealed area continues to grow.

Notably, eight municipalities reported a reduction in sealed areas: Salorno, San Genesio Atesino, Selva dei Molini, Castelbello-Ciardes, San Candido, Silandro, Tires, and Sesto. However, in other municipalities, land consumption has increased by as much as six hectares.

Figure: Consumed Land Area in South Tyrol in Hectares

 

Approaches to Modern and Space-Efficient Spatial Planning in the Alpine Region

Spatial planning in the Alpine region faces unique challenges due to its ecologically sensitive nature, limited land resources, and significant pressure from urban development, tourism, and transportation. The region’s topography restricts settlement areas, making any additional urban sprawl a potential threat to valuable agricultural and ecological systems. Here are approaches for modern, space-efficient spatial planning:

  • Prioritization of existing settlement areas over developing new ones (“infill development”).
    The goal is to revitalize town centers, increase density, and repurpose unused sites.
  • Multi-functional land use, such as combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces in a single area.
  • Development of dense residential and workspaces along existing public transport hubs to reduce commuting distances.
  • Deconstruction of unused areas and their renaturalization to improve the land-use balance.
  • Promotion of smaller housing units and compact building designs to reduce per capita land consumption (which can also lower housing costs).
  • Strict limitation of construction zones and designation of priority areas for agricultural use.
  • Reduction of traffic areas through the promotion of car-free settlements and sustainable mobility concepts.
  • Integration of infrastructure projects like dams or ski slopes with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels.

Space-efficient spatial planning is particularly vital in the Alpine region to protect ecosystems, minimize land-use pressure, and create sustainable living conditions for both people and nature.

 

“Streets become a space of encounter for neighbours and friends, customers and businesses, children, protected from the sun and rainwater by trees, shrubs, and grass.” The Street of Tomorrow, LIA Collective

Why Are Space-Efficient Spatial Planning and Soil Quality Crucial?

Space-efficient spatial planning, soil quality, and land renaturation are essential to preserving the ecological, economic, and social functions of landscapes. This is particularly critical in the Alpine region, where challenges such as topography, climate change, and limited usable land are especially pronounced:

  • Protection of ecosystem services: Soils store water, filter pollutants, and sequester CO₂, playing a vital role in climate protection and environmental stability.
  • Preservation of agricultural land: Ensuring regional food security and protecting cultural landscapes.
  • Flood protection and water management: Unsealed areas absorb rainwater, maintain drinking water reserves, and reduce flood risks.
  • Biodiversity conservation: Green spaces promote species diversity and create essential habitats for plants and animals.
  • Sustainable tourism use: Reducing overuse and ensuring the long-term preservation of natural attractions.
  • Erosion control and climate adaptation: Green spaces stabilize soils and mitigate damage from extreme weather events.
  • Recreation and quality of life: Green spaces enhance well-being and public health.
  • Cost savings: Avoiding damages and long-term expenses through nature-based solutions and reduced infrastructure needs.
  • Reduction of urban heat island effects: Green spaces lower temperatures in urban areas and improve microclimates.
  • Improved air and living quality: Plants capture fine dust and pollutants, ensuring cleaner air while providing visual and noise protection.
  • Promotion of social interaction: Green spaces offer venues for community activities, sports, and leisure, fostering social cohesion.
  • Aesthetic enhancement of settlements: Nature-oriented designs increase the attractiveness of residential areas and property values.
  • Mental health benefits: Contact with nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting psychological well-being.
  • Preservation of cold air corridors: Green spaces support fresh air supply and circulation in urban areas.
  • Creation of ecological corridors: Connecting green spaces facilitates the migration of flora and fauna, strengthening ecosystem resilience.
  • Promotion of sustainability and environmental awareness: Green spaces within settlements raise public appreciation for nature and encourage sustainable behavior.

 

Project Partners

The project aims to bring together local authorities and regional planning agencies to foster knowledge transfer and share best practices across the Alpine region. It is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg Alpine Space Cooperation Program 2021-2027. The project runs during 2025 and 2026, with total costs amounting to approximately €690,000.