1. +
Developing an integrated approach for the
strategic monitoring of regional spatial plans
By André Mascarenhasa, Tomás B. Ramosb, Luís
Nunesc
Presented by Inga Belokurova
February 9th 2015

2. +
Outline:
• Abstract
• Why is a conceptual framework for monitoring
necessary?
• Research Design
• Monitoring of RSP’s – Issues and Approaches
• Portuguese Planning context
• Conceptual Framework
• Goals of the Conceptual Framework
• Sustainability in Algarve, Portugal
• Issues and questions
• Conclusion and recommendations

3. +
Monitoring
Image: Laurie Lipton, 2014

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Abstract
 Monitoring is a challenging and fundamental issue within planning processes, yet there
is little under- standing as to whether plans achieved their goals in guaranteeing
sustainable development on a territorial level. Follow-up of spatial planning is rather
difficult due to insufficient methodologies, deficiencies in plans’ contents and resource
limitations. The main goal of this research is to develop and test a conceptual
framework to support the development of effective indicator based regional spatial
plans’ (RSPs) monitoring systems. The conceptual framework includes indicators with
distinct purposes and has the following features: (i) it establishes links between RSPs,
their strategic environmental assessment and monitoring indicators; (ii) it incorporates
the contribution of other existing monitoring systems in the regions; and (iii) it defines
specific indicator selection criteria. In order to inform the development of the
conceptual framework we: (i) review international practice of RSP monitoring; (ii)
analyze the features of current Portuguese RSPs; (iii) test the conceptual framework
using the RSP and the regional sustain- ability indicator system of the Algarve region
(Portugal) as a case study. Two types of indicators were developed –
output/implementation and results/effects – for improving the identification of cause-
effect relationships between RSP implementation and associated territorial effects;
although this is a continuing challenge, given the strategic nature of RSPs. The
usefulness of the conceptual framework was demonstrated in the definition of
monitoring indicators for the Algarve’s RSP, as well as in the integration of an existing
regional sustainability monitoring system.

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Abstract
 Strategic monitoring is vital for spatial plans
 There are challenges and issues
 Do plans achieve their goals?
 Testing a Conceptual Framework:
1. Establishing links between RSP’s, SEA and indicators of
monitoring
2. Contribute to the existing system of monitoring in the region
3. Follow specific criteria, based on the current and predicted state of
development processes

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Abstract
 Review international (European) practice of RSP monitoring
 Analyze current Portuguese RSP’s
 Test their system and concept based on current planning practice
 Case study: Algarve, South Portugal
The researchers aim to:

7. + Why is a conceptual framework for monitoring
necessary?
 Spatial Planning is important for sustainability and SD
 It is not achieved independently
 Decisions can face possible mistakes and complexities
 Knowledge-based issues and misunderstanding as a human factor
 Limited involvement of stakeholders
 Most controversial aspect in SEA and SD processes
Monitoring used to be required on all levels of spatial planning only in UK,
Netherlands, Denmark previously
Chaker et al. 2006

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Monitoring RSP’s
Portuguese Planning Context within European Spatial Planning

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Research Design
 What is happening and what might happen?
 Current evaluation and forecasting of the planning process in Portugal
 What are the indicators?
 What are the existing policies, guidelines and practices?
Some general Questions asked:

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Monitoring of RSP’s
EU
National
Regional
Local(Municipal)
• Funding issues
• Annual review
• Credibility
• Responding and presenting
• Funding
• Scarce resource availability
• Accumulative impact on national level
• Corruption
• Economic and labour issues
• Lack of development potential
• Cultural aspects
Issues:

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Monitoring of RSP’s
• Selecting a
timescale
• Data collection
• Identifying key
issues
Selection of
Indicators
• Data processing
• Data Analysis
‘Abstraction’
of Goals
• Finding and
identifying
• Risk
assessment
• Human
factor
errors
Uncertainties
• Evaluation
• Impact
• Results
• Further
continuous
monitoring
Strategic
Plans
Approaches:

12. Evaluation
IS
Subjective

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Portuguese Planning Context
 Define guidelines for land-use
 Strategies of land management on a regional level
 Promotion of integrated sector and environmental policies…
at regional level
 Provide guidelines for municipal (local) spatial plans
Monitoring and improvement of spatial plans has been made mandatory
by Portuguese and European Law since 2005
Main Goals of RSP’s

14. +Conceptual Framework

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Conceptual Framework
 Adopt a generic RSP structure with indicators fit for purpose
 Indicate content types and indicators across other relevant RSP’s
 Improve integration between RSP’s and SEA
 Improve indicator selection criteria based on current situation
 Improve selection process of involved participators and stakeholders
Only for RSP monitoring processes
How was it made:

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Goals of the Conceptual Framework
 Function of each indicator
 Links between indicators and contents
 Contribution to existing monitoring tools
Organize the following:

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Goals of the Conceptual Framework
Output Implementation
Outcomes Effects

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Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal

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Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal

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Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal
A dynamic region,
competitive and
solidary in the
context of the
knowledge society
Ambition
Qualify and
diversify the
tourism/leisure
cluster
Strengthen and
qualify the
economy, to
promote knowledge
intensive activities
Strategic
Goals
Vision, Ambition and Strategic Goals:

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Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal
Environmenta
l sustainability
Territorial
rebalance
Urban structuring
Qualification and
diversification of tourism
Protection and
enhancement of historical–
archeological heritage
Structuring of the collective
infrastructure network
Structuring of the
transportation and logistics
network
Territorial Strategic Options:

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Sustainability in Algarve, South Portugal
Territorial Strategy
Territorial Model
Urban system
Tourism system
Littoral system
Environmental
system
Accessibility and
mobility system
Guiding Standards
General Standards
Specific Standards
according to Area
and unit
Territorial Models, Systems and Standards:

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Issues and Questions
 Baseline situation?
 What to monitor?
 Is is measurable?
 Availability of data?
 Quality of data?
 Strategic effects?
 What has been already done?

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Conclusions and Recommendations
 Relatively slow mechanism of implementation as an outcome, yet
very promising in Portuguese planning context
 72 indicators for monitoring revealed
 Adaptation of monitoring of Natura 2000 sites across Algarve region
 Some monitoring aspects might be relevant only to Portugal, thus not
universal, but adaptable
 Further research work is likely to be taking place

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THANK YOU
No Questions!