Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Spatial Plans: A Spanish Case Study

Sergio Segura and Belen Pedregal
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Sergio Segura: Department of Human Geography, Universidad de Sevilla, Calle San Fernando, 4, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Belen Pedregal: Department of Human Geography, Universidad de Sevilla, Calle San Fernando, 4, 41004 Sevilla, Spain

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: Spatial planning, as a regional and subregional public policy, establishes a territorial integral vision implemented through spatial plans, aimed at achieving a balanced and sustainable spatial development and improving quality of life. To enhance the effectiveness of these plans, evaluation and monitoring are needed. This paper critically analyses the monitoring and evaluation framework for spatial plans in Spain. Based on extensive literature, legislative, and document review, as well as in-depth interviews with key stakeholders, the paper describes the legal provisions of spatial plans and how they work in practice. One of the main conclusions is that, although many laws and spatial plans have been adopted in Spain, they do not include sufficient details and provisions regarding basic monitoring and evaluation procedures. This practice is in fact highly dependent on the political will of regional governments. The main progress on monitoring and evaluation of spatial plans is achieved thanks to the enforcement of environmental legislation. Finally, it is suggested that the role of specific bodies, public participation, territorial observatories, and indicator systems should be strengthened as key elements of the evaluation and monitoring procedures for spatial planning.

Keywords: monitoring framework; spatial planning; evaluation; territorial observatories; SEA Directive; Spanish legislative frame (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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