Spatial planning policy towards floodplains and environmental protection as obstacles to the development of settlements on the Lower Bug
Metadatos
Mostrar el registro completo del ítemEditorial
Polish Acad Sciences
Materia
Floodplains Spatial development Sustainable development Floods Directive Patial planning Water management Flood protection
Fecha
2023Referencia bibliográfica
Sobieraj, J., & Metelski, D. (2023). Spatial planning policy towards floodplains and environmental protection as obstacles to the development of settlements on the Lower Bug. Archives of Civil Engineering, 69, 583–605. [https://doi.org/10.24425/ace.2023.145286]
Resumen
A little over a decade ago, a number of legislative changes were made in Polish law dealing
with spatial planning in relation to floodplains and water management. More specifically, the amendments
were a consequence of the adoption of the relevant Floods Directive by the European Parliament
and the European Council in 2007, which was introduced as a countermeasure to the allegedly increasing
flood risks associated with the ongoing urbanisation of floodplains. It was recognised that the
risks of material and non-material damage associated with increasing urbanisation are so great that
appropriate legal provisions must be introduced to reduce them. More than a decade has passed since
the introduction of these provisions (the Floods Directive was adopted in Poland in March 2011). Over
time, it has become apparent that the implementation of many legislative changes in Poland related to
spatial planning in floodplains has been impractical and has had a very negative impact on the spatial
and economic development of these areas. In this article we focus on the Lower Bug Valley and show
how these new laws have led to a deterioration of the living situation in the floodplains. Indeed, the
problem of economic decline in the floodplains and Natura 2000 sites is very serious and affects people
who have lived for years in a 2–5 km wide strip in quiet surroundings flood-prone areas and along
the river bend. Restrictions on livestock and the decline of agriculture are compounded by the lack of
interest in acquiring habitats and land. These areas are becoming an open-air museum with residents
living on social benefits and pensions