The integration of soil-water systems as a guiding principle in spatial planning

: A study of lock-in mechanisms and best practices in the Netherlands

Abstract

Extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and floods, are occurring more often and in more severe forms due to a rapidly changing climate. Several research studies recommend taking soil-water systems – meaning the flows, dynamics, and structure of water in its different forms plus the soil it interacts with – as the guiding principle in spatial planning to anticipate on these types of events. This is especially the case for a densely populated and low-lying country as the Netherlands with its policy guidance on water-related climate effects.
This research investigates the obstacles in the form of lock-in mechanisms reinforcing a certain pathway in spatial planning which possibly leads to path dependency among stakeholders in spatial planning in which the soil-water system as a guiding principle is neglected. This could happen consciously or unconsciously. The research also investigates best practices for integrating soil-water systems as a guiding principle in spatial planning in the Netherlands. It aims to identify lock-in mechanisms that hinder this integration and highlight successful approaches to overcome these. The study employs a qualitative research design, combining firstly a literature review with secondly an analysis of multiple Dutch cases and thirdly a focused case study of Oss-West. The literature review results in a conceptual framework of lock-in mechanisms and a best practices overview is established. Both of these overviews are then refined through an examination of practical examples from the Netherlands. Finally, semi-structured interviews related to the case study of Oss-West provide valuable insights into the challenges and successful strategies encountered in real-world situations. The interviews are held with subject matter experts from various stakeholder organizations, including municipalities, provinces, water boards, and independent partners.
The research identifies several key lock-in mechanisms that impede the integration of soil-water systems. Conversely, it highlights best practices which stimulate this integration. The results are obtained from academic literature, the observation of Dutch cases and the case study of Oss-West exemplifying the application of these lock-in mechanisms and best practices. The research contributes to a better understanding of the challenges and potential solutions for incorporating soil-water systems as a guiding principle in spatial planning in the Netherlands. As such, it provides valuable and practical insights for policymakers, spatial planners, and stakeholders involved in sustainable spatial development in the Netherlands.

Date of Award	23 Apr 2024
Original language	English
Supervisor	Lisanne Groen (Examiner), Angelique Lansu (Assessor) & Frank van Lamoen (Supervisor)