Adaptation Planning Support Toolbox: Measurable performance information based tools for co-creation of resilient, ecosystem-based urban plans with urban designers, decision-makers and stakeholders

• Published in: Environmental science & policy 2016-12, Vol.66, p.427-436
• Main Authors: van de Ven, Frans H.M., Snep, Robbert P.H., Koole, Stijn, Brolsma, Reinder, van der Brugge, Rutger, Spijker, Joop, Vergroesen, Toine
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Collaborative planning; Ecosystem-based adaptation; Green infrastructure; Performance indicators; Planning support system; Urban climate adaptation
• ISSN: 1462-9011; 1873-6416
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2016.06.010

[Display omitted] •Tools to support collaborative climate resilient urban planning are so far lacking.•New: Adaptation Planning Support Toolbox (APST) with >60 blue, green and grey adaptation measures.•Evidence-based, quantitative performance information is appreciated by APST users.•Climate-proofing workshops in several countries showed APST as effective support tool.•APST-like tools essential for actual adaptation-inclusive urban (re)development practice. Currently, most tools, guidelines and benchmarks for urban adaptation raise awareness on climate change impacts, assess the city’s vulnerability and/or address the need for adaptation on a policy-level. However, tools that have the ability to implement adaptation solutions in the actual urban planning and design practice seem to be missing. We developed and tested the Adaptation Planning Support Toolbox (APST) to fill this gap. This toolbox supports local policymakers, planners, designers and practitioners in defining the program of demands, in setting adaptation targets, in selecting from more than 60 blue, green and grey adaptation measures and with informed co-creation of conceptual adaptation plans. The APST provides quantitative, evidence-based performance information on (cost)effectiveness of adaptation measures regarding climate resilience and co-benefits. The APST can be used design workshops, to feed dialogues among stakeholders on where and how which ecosystem-based adaptation measures can be applied. Applications of the AST in various settings and context in cities on different continents have illustrated the added value of the toolbox in bringing policy and practice together with help of science. With more and more cities worldwide that will make the step from policymaking to actual adaptation-inclusive urban (re)development practice we foresee a growing demand for such tools.