Landscape Planning: Tools and Experience in Implementation
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RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES SIBERIAN BRANCH V.B. SOCHAVA INSTITUTE OF GEOGRAPHY FEDERAL AGENCY FOR NATURE CONSERVATION FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY LANDSCAPE PLANNING: TOOLS AND EXPERIENCE IN IMPLEMENTATION Compiled & edited by: Dr.Sc. (Geogr.) A.N. Antipov Translated by V.G. Mikhalkovsky BONN – IRKUTSK – 2006 Landscape Planning: Tools and Experience in Implementation / A.N. Antipov, V.V. Kravchenko, Yu.M. Semenov et al. – Irkutsk: V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS Publishers, 2006. – 149 p., colour illustrations. ISBN 5-94797-092-9 The present book marks a new evolutionary stage in landscape planning in Russia. Drawing on the results of recent methodological studies by Russian and German experts, the authors suggest a number of ideas regarding the use of landscape planning tools for the enforcement of laws of the Russian Federation, the generation of various levels of landscape plans, and the resolution of prob- lems in application. The description of the results is derived from the implementation of landscape planning tools, preceded by an outline of the European and Russian background experience gained in the elabora- tion of procedural modalities. Particular emphasis has been placed on the well-established and legally grounded German experience. For the first time, the book presents examples of planning solutions for the regional and municipal levels, and for the procedure of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA). As regards conditions in Russia, the authors suggest a formalised algorithm for generating planning documents, based on German expertise and experience, and exemplify by implementation at the regional, municipal and local levels in the Baikal region. Suggestions are made regarding legal security of integrated (territorial) and landscape plan- ning policies. The sectoral (functional) potential of the tools is illustrated by means of the results in water protection, urban planning and integrated planning, as well as those which have used land- scape planning techniques to set up specially protected natural areas, and to draft EIA documents. The book is intended for a wide range of readers: geographers, ecologists and environmental- ists, designers, undergraduate and post-graduate students, and for those working in administrative and nature conservancy bodies. Eleven tables, 50 illustrations. Bibliography: 66 titles. The authors Russia: A.N. Antipov, V.V. Kravchenko, Yu.M. Semenov, A.V. Drozdov, O.V. Gagarinova, V.N. Fedorov, N.V. Rogovskaya, V.M. Plyusnin, and E.G. Suvorov Germany: A. Winkelbrandt, W. Milken, C. von Haaren, J. Schiller, W. Wende, A. Neumann, H. Ohlenburg, and A. Hoppenstedt The reviewers Academician M.I. Kuzmin Corresponding Member of RAS V.A. Snytko Corresponding Member of RAS A.K. Tulokhonov ISBN 5-94797-092-9 © V.B. Sochava Institute of Geography SB RAS, 2006 FOREWORD by the German side In 1992 the Federal Republic of Germany and the Russian Federation entered into an intergovernmental cooperation agreement in the field of environmental conservation. In that context, it was suggested that the German nature conservancy tool Landscape Planning be adapted to the conditions in the Russian Federation (R.F.). This book presents the results of the effort to implement that process. The advisability of introducing such a tool during a phase when Russia and the newly independent states were shifting to new socio-economic models was dictated by a number of factors. Landscape planning is a sectoral, cross-disciplinary tool combining, via the involve- ment and conciliation processes, agencies and policy makers at different levels. Landscape planning identifies deficiencies in nature and landscape management and guides the way to further improvements. It can be used to advantage as a reliable tool for deciding between competing policies and, where appropriate, as a regulatory vehicle for restructuring formerly centralised land use patterns in their spatial and management aspects. Hence landscape planning can act as a supportive tool in the creation and development of relevant regional entities, so as to impart to investment decisions the necessary planning security from an environmental perspective. As a communications tool, landscape planning can promote the process of democratisation and, hence, of social, ecological and economic stabilisation, with the involvement of local residents in the planning process being a high priority issue. It is also possible to harmonise, by means of landscape planning, international and Russian nature conservan- cy policies and programmes, including the goal of creating the well-concerted Europe and Russia-wide Natura 2000 network. Furthermore, landscape planning aids in pursuing ecologisation of land privatisation processes with due regard for society’s long-term interests. I would like to thank all those involved in this effort – the Russian partners for their commitment, creativity and openness, and the staff members of my agency for their continued drive to attain positive results. Special thanks are due to our long-standing partner, the Institute of Geography of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS). It is through the sustained, serious effort mounted by the Institute staff that it became possible to adapt, within a relatively short time period, the German experiences to Russia’s conditions, thus providing a powerful planning mechanism for various territories and for addressing a variety of environmental challenges. Implementation of landscape planning in Russia, the world’s largest country in area, opens up a new dimension and fresh opportunities for sustainable development of its regions, and for nature conservation and management there. Professor Dr. Hartmut Vogtmann President, German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation FOREWORD 3 FOREWORD by the Russian side As an active member of the European Council, Russia is striving to take full advantage of European standards in various spheres of its activity. One important case in point is provided by the signing of the Kyoto Convention, which is aimed at the strategic conservation of our habitat. Over many years we have been collaborating with our German colleagues in the field of environmental conservation. The relevant Intergovernmental Cooperation Agreement signed in 1992 has become an important framework document in our relations. As the title indicates, this book is one more important landmark in our cooperation. For over a decade now, Russian and German experts have been implementing their expertise, knowledge and know-how in the creation of landscape planning tools that are new in Russia but have long been commonplace in Europe. Properly implemented, landscape planning will be able to provide an opportunity for the elaboration of ecological zoning policies and practices for the Baikal region. There are also some other possibilities for ecologically oriented planning. It is reasonably safe to assume that the significance of Russia’s natural wealth, and its unique, pristine landscapes, will now be subject to a new appraisal and vision. A number of challenges still remain to be addressed, particularly the efficiency of organisation of specially protected areas. It would be appropriate to see them as an important component, not only in the realm of nature conservancy but also for the creation of high investment attractiveness, for example in the tourism sector. Russia has a good legislative basis for nature conservation. In 2002 the law of the R.F. “On Environmental Protection” was passed. Its articles contain many new conser- vancy ideas and lines of activity, in keeping with European policies and practices. What is needed is to create a methodological framework to permit such legal guidelines to be translated into actual measures. Here, too, landscape planning will certainly find application. Finally, Russia has undertaken a large number of international commitments by signing a number of important nature conservancy conventions. There is an obvious need for the harmonisation of Russian and international programmes within the frame- work of the aforementioned documents. It is my hope that in this context, too, much can be gained by landscape planning. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Russian and German experts every success in their challenging, yet nationally important commitment and effort to lay the groundwork for sustainable development, drawing on the wealth of European experience. A.M. Amirkhanov Deputy Director Department of State Policy in the Sphere of Environmental Protection Ministry of Natural Resources 4 FOREWORD 1. INTRODUCTION This Introduction outlines the authors’ general view regarding landscape planning and describes background work done in this field by Russian and German experts. Russia has unique land resources, unexcelled worldwide. There is a need to assess this natural wealth in ecological and other contexts, in order to develop a methodological framework for enforcing a number of laws. Effective tools are to be devised, capable of ascertaining the overall characteristics of lands for decision-making at all levels. Landscape planning should provide a number of important approaches to land policy: systematisation and comprehensive assessment of information, participatory character and flexibility of decision-making, and transparency of ecological requirements for investors. Landscape planning is a communicative process that involves all stakeholders in planning, including local communities, and contributes to the democratisation and