Transnational topics of Sustainable Spatial Development

In order to identify the transnational topics in Alpine area two documents deem to be of high priority.

• The Guiding Principles for Sustainable Spatial Development for the European Continent (CEMAT 2000)

and

• the Alpine Convention Protocol on Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development.

Based on these documents and adjusted to mountain environments transnational topics are compiled in a grouping to CEMAT’s 10 main principles:

• Polycentric development model as basis for spatial development
• Economic diversification, multiple job-holding, craft and SME maintenance and development
• Cooperation between SME within the Alpine Space
• Support both economic development and a balanced distribution of the population in the Alpine territory/polycentricity
• facilitate equal opportunities for the local population in its social, cultural and economic development

• Accessibility of urban systems and functions and of public services and central functions for country dwellers
• Equivalency of living conditions and quality
• Recognition of the interests of Alpine populations
• Synergies and complementarity between towns
• Revitalisation and diversification of rural economies
• Accessibility of recreation areas for urban dwellers while safeguarding natural and cultural heritages
• Compensation mechanisms for Alpine services delivered to the lowlands or vice versa
• Regulation of adverse impacts on the Alps generated outside of the Alpine Space

• Completing TEN-projects where appropriate to a sustainable spatial policy
• Linking small and medium-sized towns and peripheral areas to the major transport networks
• Careful improvement of regional and local accessibility if necessary
• Promotion of public transport offers

• Unordered List ItemImproving access to information

• Improving inadequate coordination of sectoral policies or local decisions
• Prevention and mitigation of environmental harms through sectoral policies through spatial planning policy
• Protection, sustainable management and rehabilitation of land, water, air and landscapes, fauna, flora, habitats

• Protection of natural resources as elements for balanced ecosystems, regional attractiveness, recreational quality and quality of life
• Integrated mangement of water resources
• Re-establishing and conserving ecosystems including ecological networks through spatial planning policy
• Protection of environment by agriculture and forestry
• Harmonise use of territory with the ecological needs and objectives
• Use the resources and the territory sparingly and compatibly with the environment

• Integrated management of cultural hertitage
• Relationship between modern architecture, urban design and cultural heritage
• Maintenance and promotion of identity of mountain populations
• Maintenance and promotion of diversity of cultural heritage
• Respect of regional identities and specific cultural features

• Improving energy efficiency and energy saving
• Promotion of renewable energy sources within the limits of the environmental capacities

• Consideration of natural resources, economic, social and cultural environments
• Development of tourism within the carrying capacity of these resources and environments

• Taking preventive measures
• Reducing the vulnerability of settlement structures