Exploring the Disconnect: Understanding the Absence of Soil Ecosystem Services in Urban Land Use Planning

Abstract

Historically, urban planning focused on socio-economic functions to cater to human needs, leading to shortsighted decisions and irreversible transformation of natural landscapes into urbanized areas. The Netherlands faces a challenge with the highest rate of urban land take in the EU, causing a decline in crucial soil ecosystem services (SES). This study investigates the barriers to SES integration in Dutch urban land use planning (ULUP) using policy reviews and interviews. The primary reasons for SES not being integrated into ULUP are agenda setting, actor collaboration, and technology consensus. The research aims to promote sustainable and resilient urban development by shedding light on these obstacles.