Framework conditions and instruments for a sustainable governance of rural-urban linkages

This (German language) report is part of the Ufoplan project “Rural Urban Nexus – Globally sustainable land use and urbanisation”. The project aims to develop an integrated approach for sustainable linkages between urban and rural areas and identify entry points for globally sustainable land use in the context of urbanisation. Within this context, this report serves to provide an overview of framework conditions and instruments for designing sustainable urban-rural linkages.

In the first part of the report, non-institutional factors are presented that shape the interrelations between cities and their rural surroundings. (Natural) spatial, socio-cultural, economic, infrastructural and technological factors are analysed, including whether these factors positively or negatively influence the sustainable design of urban-rural linkages.

The second part of the report examines the role of the institutional framework conditions for the design of urban-rural linkages, notably of territorial structure, municipal competences, organisation and finances, property rights (particularly land access, land use rights, land ownership) and participation opportunities.

The third part of the report analyses which instruments and policies currently exist for creating sustainable urban-rural linkages (within the given framework conditions). Instruments are included from the German, EU and international levels. Examples from European and non-European countries in the field of “regional food systems” further illustrate good practices.

Finally, it is concluded that a broad range of strategic starting points, instruments and institutional forms can already be found within the multi-level system on the local German and international levels for shaping a sustainable rural-urban nexus. However, local and regional actors often lack incentives to utilise these existing starting points.