Jacek Zaucha

Territorial Keys for Bringing Closer the Territorial Agenda of the EU and Europe 2020

ABSTRACT The recent developments of the economic theory suggest that due attention to territorial context increases efficiency and improves delivery of the policies. This in turn calls for better linkages between spatial and socio-economic efforts. The paper analyses the concept of policy territorialization and proposes policy tools for that purpose. The relevant theoretical models are used, mainly evolutionary economics and new economic geography. The key outcome is a set of territorial keys supposed to enhance territorial approach in developmental policies. Also some plausible ways of making use of those keys are proposed and then tested using Polish territory as a case study.

Evolutionary Resilience and Complex Lagoon Systems

The present study applies an evolutionary resilience framework to complex socioecological systems in the coastal regions in Europe with a particular focus on lagoons. Despite their variations, lagoons share common challenges in achieving effective and sustainable ways of governing and managing economic, social, and environmental uncertainties. Our aim is to demonstrate that building resilience involves planning not only for recovery from shocks but also for cultivating preparedness and seeking potential transformative opportunities that emerge from change. The framework consists of 4 dimensions: persistence, adaptability, transformability, and preparedness. To illustrate how this 4-dimensional framework can be applied to the specific context of lagoons, we draw on examples of good and poor practices from the 10 lagoons studied as part of the ARCH project. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:711-718.

State-of-the-lagoon reports as vehicles of cross-disciplinary integration.

An integrative approach across disciplines is needed for sustainable lagoon and estuary management as identified by integrated coastal zone management. The ARCH research project (Architecture and roadmap to manage multiple pressures on lagoons) has taken initial steps to overcome the boundaries between disciplines and focus on cross-disciplinary integration by addressing the driving forces, challenges, and problems at various case study sites. A model was developed as a boundary-spanning activity to produce joint knowledge and understanding. The backbone of the model is formed by the interaction between the natural and human systems, including economy and governance-based subsystems. The model was used to create state-of-the-lagoon reports for 10 case study sites (lagoons and estuarine coastal areas), with a geographical distribution covering all major seas surrounding Europe. The reports functioned as boundary objects to build joint knowledge. The experiences related to the framing of the model and its subsequent implementation at the case study sites have resulted in key recommendations on how to address the challenges of cross-disciplinary work required for the proper management of complex social-ecological systems such as lagoons, estuarine areas, and other land-sea regions. Cross-disciplinary integration is initially resource intensive and time consuming; one should set aside the required resources and invest efforts at the forefront. It is crucial to create engagement among the group of researchers by focusing on a joint, appealing overall concept that will stimulate cross-sectoral thinking and focusing on the identified problems as a link between collected evidence and future management needs. Different methods for collecting evidence should be applied including both quantitative (jointly agreed indicators) and qualitative (narratives) information. Cross-disciplinary integration is facilitated by functional boundary objects. Integration offers important rewards in terms of developing a better understanding and subsequently improved management of complex social-ecological systems. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:690-700.

VASAB 2010 Transnational Cooperation in the Spatial Development of the Baltic Sea Region

International cooperation in the field of spatial planning started in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) in 1992. On 21 August 1992, ministers responsible for spatial planning and development in countries of the Baltic region met in Karlskrona in Sweden to discuss the prospects for future spatial development in the region. They decided to initiate permanent cooperation in BSR spatial planning at governmental level by jointly preparing a document on spatial development prospects for the BSR. The programme was named “Vision and Strategies around the Baltic Sea 2010” (VASAB 2010). A body known as the Group of Focal Points was set up to conduct the work. The Group comprises representatives (usually heads of spatial planning departments in the relevant ministries) from Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany (at both federal and regional level - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein), Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia (Kaliningrad, Karelia, St. Petersburg regions), and Sweden. The Group of Focal Points is backed up by a secretariat.