Abstract
Near-natural open spaces are the basis of human well-being, biodiversity and the livelihood of future generations (i.e. all spaces outside of settlements free from modern technical development, extensive traffic, noise). These essential spaces are decreasing in the Alps due to raising human impact and landscape fragmentation. To maintain these open spaces, coherent transnational cooperation of spatial planning is highly necessary to avoid a race to the bottom regarding minimum standards. This fits the EU-goal of an alpswide network of near-natural areas as part of the EU Strategy on Green Infrastructure (GI) and the EU Urban Agenda. According to Knight et al. 2006, in terms of spatial planning or nature conservation planning multiple approaches have been developed to identify priority areas, but implementation of various techniques has been lacking. Based on the results of a dedicated Alpine Space project called “OpenSpaceAlps”, authors want to present and discuss a first list of criteria for landscape permeability/ ecological connectivity, for the preservation of agricultural areas, and for near natural and recreational areas, which can be a starting point for harmonised intermunicipal and transnational “open space” planning. The list is the result of an analysis of the literature with a focus on current governance and planning systems for open spaces (with an in-depth analysis of the situation in six pilot areas) and on the main spatial strategies and plans in the Alps. Results of technical local / transnational project workshops with experts and stakeholders were also capitalised. The primary target of the list are policy makers at local level but also for the EUSALP area to enhance preserving open spaces for different intended purposes. The authors intend to question both the selected criteria and the methodology used for their selection.