Integration of Ecosystem Services in Strategic Environmental Assessment of a Peri-Urban Development Plan

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) can support decision-makers in constructing more sustainable plans, programs, and policies (PPPs). To be more coherent with new frontiers of sustainable cities, PPPs need to include conservation objectives and to increase ecosystem service (ES) strategies. The ES concept is not intrinsic to the SEA process; therefore, it is necessary to develop an approach and methodology to include it. In this paper, we propose a methodology to integrate the concept of ecosystem services in all phases of the SEA process for a sub-urban plan, including the design of mitigation measures. The case study is represented by a peri-urban development plan in the municipality of Gallipoli in South Italy, characterized by a strong tourism economy and valuable agro-ecosystems. The analysis shows the priority ecosystem services that are selected considering the sustainable development and environmental goals, the context of referment, and the aims of the peri-urban plan. After, we highlight the potential ecosystem services developed considering the design of mitigation actions like green infrastructure, which could be implemented in the peri-urban plan. The capacity to develop green infrastructure in SEA processes can configure the SEA as a tool for ecological urban design that is integrated with urban planning. This requires the ability to transfer ecological and planning theories into practical actions and the capacity of different disciplines to work in a transdisciplinary approach.

Automated summary

Strategic environmental assessment (SEA) can help decision-makers develop more sustainable plans, programs, and policies (PPPs). To align with the new frontiers of sustainable cities, PPPs should incorporate conservation objectives and strategies for increasing ecosystem services (ES). The integration of the ES concept in SEA processes requires a specific approach and methodology, as outlined in this paper. The case study of a peri-urban development plan in Gallipoli, South Italy, demonstrates the potential for developing green infrastructure as part of SEA processes for ecological urban design. Transdisciplinary collaboration among various disciplines is essential for successful implementation.