Water resources and spatial planning systems in Portugal: using Ria de Aveiro as a model to explore better synergies

Abstract

Land use planning is essential to maintain and restore water resources, estuaries and associated ecosystem services, as well as, to prevent and adapt to risks in the face of global change. Land use planning can be used to minimize human pressures and associated impacts on water resources and ecosystems as it can significantly affect the impact of human activities on the water cycle of a region. Through the preparation of spatial plans, land-use control, and the application of planning techniques and approaches, spatial planning can contribute to the implementation of the WFD's 'basic measures'. The way land use and water resources planning systems are articulated is crucial for the mentioned potential. Conceptually, spatial planning and water resources planning systems have been conceived out of different scientific contexts, from different institutional frameworks, and with different spatial boundaries – hence hindering the establishment of bridges between these two systems. Using article 11 of the WFD this paper seeks to assess (i) how the Law on Spatial Planning and Urban Development as well as the Portuguese Water Law converge to promote better integration of water resources into spatial planning (ii) how their prospects are developed at the regional basis,namely through the Water Basin Management Plan and Regional Spatial Plan and, (iii) how these are prepared to inform other planning instruments, such as local plans. The analysis uses the Ria de Aveiro in Central Portugal as a case study. The article concludes with a critical analysis of the integration of the spatial planning and water resources planning systems in Portugal, and aims to reveal new insights and challenges for more productive synergies between these systems.