Why is the inclusion of the ecosystem services concept in urban planning so limited? A knowledge implementation and impact analysis of the Italian urban plans

Abstract

This article analyses the explicit use of the ecosystem services (ES) concept in the Italian urban planning practice and evaluates whether and to what extent the concept is actually used to deliver planning choices to improve the overall urban sustainability. Based upon a systematic grey literature review of contemporary urban plans, the research reveals that out of 136 urban plans only a very limited number made an explicit reference to the ES concept, primarily in strategic environmental assessment procedures. The article explains reasons for the limited inclusion and explores the possibility to embed ES into urban planning through innovative laws and regulations at different levels of spatial governance.

Urban Standards and Ecosystem Services: The Evolution of the Services Planning in Italy from Theory to Practice

“…In Italy, the explicit and voluntary use of the ES concept in spatial planning is still limited [21,[80][81][82]. As shown by the review of Italian land use plans analyzed, the model of the ecological network integrates settlements, infrastructures, and natural components, following a new approach to the environmental preservation to achieve the goals of high-quality landscape and sustainable development [82].…”

Seven approaches to research in socio-ecological practice & five insights from the RWC–Schön–Stokes model

“…In addition, the Schön–Stokes model and its undergirding ideas have inspired many other inquiries. These include, inter alia , demonstrating the differences between theories of practice and theories of science, between practitioner–theorists and academic theoreticians (Xiang 2020b , pp.122–123); explaining “a gulf [that] commonly divides theory and practice in scholarly literature” (Bryant & Turner 2019 , p.328); substantiating a “crucial” paradigm shift “from the traditional Bohr's quadrant to Pasteur's quadrant” in ecosystem services research (Feng et al 2019 , p.111); characterizing the knowledge domain of ecopracticology —the study of socio-ecological practice (Xiang 2019a , pp.8–9) and categorizing research article types for the journal Socio-Ecological Practice Research (Xiang 2019b , pp.1–2); showcasing exemplary works of Scottish-American scholar-practitioner Ian McHarg (Bryan & Turner 2019 , p.328, p.335; Xiang 2019c , pp.362–363; Yang & Li 2019 , p.210); advocating the key yet overdue action to “overhaul entrenched mindset and inertia” in urban forestry practice and research (Jim 2019 , p.49); justifying the need for knowledge brokering in the socio-ecological practice of urban green infrastructure planning and analyzing the challenges (La Rosa 2019 , pp.89–90; Wang et al 2018 , p.141); conceptualizing an empirical survey in urban green infrastructure research (Hagemann et al 2020 , p.286); and developing a “problem-research-practice framework” for improving the practical relevance of ecosystem services mapping (Chen et al 2019 , p.2). …”

“…justifying the need for knowledge brokering in the socio-ecological practice of urban green infrastructure planning and analyzing the challenges (La Rosa 2019 , pp.89–90; Wang et al 2018 , p.141);…”

Ways Forward for Advancing Ecosystem Services in Municipal Planning—Experiences from Stockholm County

“…Hence, to assimilate the ES framework in urban planning practice rather than in single projects, it is important to gain an understanding of the governance context including institutional frameworks, existing policies, and planning systems [23]. Furthermore, the views of practitioners and decision-makers involved in the planning process are important for the implementation of ES, particularly on the potentials and added value of using the concept and what tools could be used in practical integration [24]. In light of the transition towards decentralized governance in many European countries [25] and the uniquely strong position of Swedish municipalities in planning [26], the Stockholm case provides an interesting context to examine and contribute to the knowledge on ES implementation in local planning practice.…”