From spatial planning to landscape management

Everywhere in Europe open landscape and picturesque views are becoming a scarce resource. The Baltic Sea coast is now more that ever caught in a struggle between growing investment pressure and the need for preservation of all that makes it so valuable: breathtaking views, clean beaches, coastal wetlands and cultural heritage. Tourism, so often seen here as the most important development sector, is frequently ‘cutting the branch on which it’s sitting’. Other important issues are coastline protection and maintaining of cultural landscapes, which frequently enough collide with other management goals. 

Spatial planning is necessary to provide a legal, institutional and financial framework for solving spatial conflicts and designating suitable spaces for the different uses: residential areas, commerce, commuting, leisure, nature protection, coastal protection, etc. 

But even the best spatial plan is only part of a constant process of spatial management. A wise, dedicated landscape management by the communes is a prerequisite for a good quality of life for both residents and tourists. It requires all stakeholders (meaning everyone who has an interest in the given area) to act together for a better future:  administration of all levels and sectors, the business sector as well as individual citizens. Terms like communication and participation obtain in this context a crucial importance.