Climate change and the gradual rise in sea level are increasing flood risk in coastal areas, which also represents a specific challenge for spatial planning. Coastal space is an area of numerous activities, therefore the planning of flood protection measures requires the coordination of various spatial, environmental, and social interests. This master's thesis addresses the challenge of the feasibility of proposed flood protection measures within the framework of existing legislation and spatial planning practice in the coastal zone of the Municipality of Izola. The first part of the thesis presents the theoretical background related to climate change, flood risk in coastal areas, and the legal and institutional framework for the spatial planning of flood protection measures. Special attention is given to spatial planning instruments and procedures for implementing spatial arrangements in Slovenia. This is followed by the presentation of the research methodology and an analysis of the spatial characteristics and flood risk of the studied area. The central part of the thesis consists of an analysis of different procedures for implementing flood protection measures based on existing legislation and spatial planning instruments. Based on this, four scenarios for the implementation of flood protection measures are developed, illustrating different options for the distribution of responsibilities between national and local levels of decision-making and planning. The analysis shows that the feasibility of flood protection measures largely depends on the selection of an appropriate planning procedure, the development of expert bases and alternative solutions, and the level of cooperation among various spatial planning stakeholders. The results of the research indicate that the existing spatial planning system enables the implementation of flood protection measures in various ways; however, combined approaches involving cooperation between the state and the municipality, and allowing for a comprehensive consideration of spatial, environmental, and developmental aspects of coastal areas, prove to be the most appropriate.
|