Research project Spatial Planning And DEsign with Soils

General introduction

The SPADES project (Spatial Planning and Design with Soils) focuses on integrating soil health into spatial planning and design. The project enhances collaboration between soil experts, policymakers, and planners in urban, peri-urban, and rural areas. SPADES includes 17 pilot projects across 10 European countries, where knowledge is shared, and soil-inclusive strategies are developed. Project outcomes include a portfolio of best practices, an online SPADES Navigator, and a manual to promote soil-inclusive spatial planning.

Research approach

The four-year SPADES project places significant focus on cases across urban, peri-urban, and rural settings, progressing through three research phases: inventory, co-creation, and innovation. In Flanders, ILVO leads two pilot projects in close cooperation with VLM (Flemish Land Agency), targeting rural and peri-urban areas. These cases focus on the sustainable management of grasslands and the use of public lands to improve soil quality, combining agricultural, nature and water management goals.

Relevance/Valorization

SPADES contributes to broad policy goals such as nature restoration, climate mitigation and sustainable agriculture. The project helps policymakers, planners and farmers put soil health at the center of spatial development. The results, including policy recommendations, training programs and tools, support sustainable soil management at local and international levels. In doing so, SPADES plays a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable and resilient environment.