Green spaces and urban planning in the countries surveyed. Summary and future research directions

Abstract

This final chapter offers a comprehensive synthesis of the perspectives presented across the various countries studied. It will delve into several key issues Firstly, it will explore the similarities and differences in planning instruments at the city level among the cases studied. This includes a comparative analysis of the opportunities afforded by the ‘spatial plan’ in each city, linking these opportunities and the content of the spatial plan to the broader discourse on spatial planning instruments. A particularly intriguing aspect is the examination of how spatial plans can effectively constrain specific property developments. This chapter will also incorporate selected case studies from other countries, providing a rich context for comparison with the findings presented in Chapters 3 to 8. Additionally, it will investigate the potential of spatial plans (and other spatial planning instruments) to forge connections between the planning field and climate change adaptation efforts, while identifying universal barriers that may hinder this integration. Finally, this chapter will analyse specific challenges to the shaping and protection of green spaces, highlighting innovative solutions and best practices aimed at overcoming these obstacles, all while aligning with the broader universal discussion.