Spanning boundaries of urban nature plans: governance and urban biodiversity in Hamburg and Genova

Abstract

Purpose

European cities still face various hindrances and bottlenecks to adopt the latest European Biodiversity strategy, target 14, which requires cities with at least 20k inhabitants to establish an urban nature plan (UNP) by including nature-based solutions (NBS) as urban planning tools to combat climate change issues. In this research paper, the purpose stands for analyzing the urban spatial boundaries by which cities can span or not in order to deisgn and implement their urban nature or green plans in conformity with the European Nature Restoration Regulation. For this, two case studies (Hamburg in Germany and Genova in Italy) were selected as paradigmatic examples in the EU context to implement a mixed methodological approach that analyzes climate change adaptation and mitigation measures in their respective UNPs.

Design/methodology/approach

By using an analytical framework of 20 criteria, the authors conducted a content analysis of Hamburg’s and Genova’s plans and the included actions through a three-step methodology. Particular attention in this research is given to the aspects of urban governance and commitment to implementation of biodiversity actions and goals, institutional support and policy as well as a focus on public participation.

Findings

Discussions suggest the two cities attribute nature to specific boundaries that may not coincide with the ones identified in other traditional or legislative plans. Thus, the authors identify the existence of at least two types of boundaries (knowledge and administrative) in consideration with local urban governance aspects, such as stakeholders’ engagement mechanisms and evidence-based results from citizens’ participatory approaches, whereas the boundaries of actionable knowledge span toward the existing administrative and spatial boundaries.

Research limitations/implications

The research limitations and implications of this study are as follows: prioritizing the development of urban nature plans toward encompassing nature beyond the boundaries of cities by merging different tools and knowledge; development of a methodological framework for assessment of urban biodiversity in cities, giving more weight to collaborative governance and public participation aspects; administrative boundaries of nature reflect the regulative limits of the planning system; involve local governments planners and decision-makers to establish their urban nature plans through crossing the boundaries of their municipalities spatially and administratively as a future research agenda.

Originality/value

This research proposes a fresh perspective on urban biodiversity planning based on a sound methodology that unites quantitative and qualitative aspects to demonstrate the consistent mismatch in considering permeable boundaries of nature vis-à-vis administrative responsibilities in current planning practices.