ENVIRONMENTAL-PLANNING FOR THE BARCELONA REGION

The Barcelona metropolitan region contains over 4 million inhabitants in an area extending 120 km along the coast and 40 km inland. Decentra lization of jobs and population from the urban core is continuing. A s tudy was undertaken in 1991 at the University of Barcelona to analyse the environmental implications of the region's development, as a contr ibution to the regional plan now in preparation. The study examined ma ny aspects of the 'ecological capacity' of the region, including treat ment of water, waste, open space, agriculture, energy, transport, urba n form and industrial location. A much more conservationist and carefu l planning of the region's resources was advocated. Several environmen tal management approaches which have so far been less common in the Sp anish context were recommended. It nevertheless became evident that th e criteria arising from analysis of the different topics were on occas ions in conflict; given unavoidable development pressure and existing geographical constraints, many compromises will therefore be required when the planning strategy is finally prepared.