References

Original Reference: Kenward, R.E. et al. (2011). Identifying governance strategies that effectively support ecosystem services, resource sustainability and biodiversity. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 108(13): 5308-12.

Brief Summary: The paper discusses population shifts from rural to urban areas and their long-term implications. PoliRuralPlus pilots could address these trends by creating incentives to retain rural populations and attract new residents.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1007933108

Original Reference: Jensen, I.H. et al. (2014). Demonstration of integrated real time control of sanitation systems incl. early warning for WQ in receiving waters in Aarhus. PREPARED Project Report 2014.047, Deliverable D1.3.4.

Brief Summary: This document focuses on solutions for resilient urban water management and climate adaptation. Implications: Applying solutions for rural water systems is essential for cross-regional resilience. Recommendations: Integrate similar adaptive water strategies.

URL: http://prepared-fp7.eu/viewer/file.aspx?id=20140217150940

Original Reference: Kumar, P. et al. (2019). The nexus between air pollution, green infrastructure and human health. Environment International, 133: 105181.

Brief Summary: The study links environmental factors with public health outcomes. For PoliRuralPlus, improving environmental quality in rural-urban transition zones can have direct health benefits for communities.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2019.105181

Original Reference: Penchev, V. et al. (2019). Scope of Works for Demonstrators A and B. RECONECT Project Deliverable 2.3.

Brief Summary: Discusses the application of nature-based solutions (NBS) for hydro-meteorological risk reduction. Implications: NBS can provide sustainable solutions for rural-urban resilience. Recommendations: Integrate nature-based solutions in RAPs for flood control and environmental protection, enhancing both rural and urban resilience to climate risks.

URL: https://reconect.eu/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RECONECT_D2.3.pdf

Original Reference: Luxembourg, 2017, ISBN 978-92-79-76907-8, doi:10.2760/95143, JRC109286

Brief Summary: Provides insights into territorial planning and development strategies across the EU. PoliRuralPlus RAPs can use this research to ensure evidence-based, cohesive planning across rural-urban borders.

URL: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC109286

Original Reference: Zwartkruis, J., Westhoek, H. & Kok, M. (2016). Forward-looking analysis of transition pathways. Sub-report: The land use domain in the Netherlands. PATHWAYS Project Deliverable 2.5.

Brief Summary: This site outlines Finland's regional development objectives, emphasizing balanced economic growth, environmental sustainability, and digitalization. PoliRuralPlus can draw from these strategies to align its pilots with national objectives, particularly around balanced development and the role of digital tools.

URL: https://pathways-project.eu/sites/default/files/D2.5%20Land%20Use%20Transition%20Pathways.pdf

Original Reference: EC (2015a). Towards an EU research and innovation policy agenda for nature-based solutions & re-naturing cities. Final report of the Horizon 2020 expert group on 'Nature-based solutions and re-naturing cities'

Brief Summary: This report outlines EU regional policy goals for 2016. It emphasizes addressing regional disparities and promoting balanced development. RAPs should ensure that rural-urban linkages are addressed by promoting infrastructure, services, and economic growth in both rural and urban areas. PoliRuralPlus pilots should align with these policy goals.

URL: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/fb117980-d5aa-11e5-8fea-01aa75ed71a1

Original Reference: Besir, A. & Cuce, E. (2018). Green roofs and facades: A comprehensive review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 82: 915–939

Brief Summary: Explores renewable energy as a driver of sustainable development. PoliRuralPlus can apply these insights to rural energy projects, supporting local energy independence​.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2017.09.106

Original Reference: CIS (2016). WFD Reporting Guidance 2016 Final – Version 6.0.6. Common Implementation Strategy for the Water Framework Directive and the Floods Directive. EU Water Directors Meeting, Heraklion

Brief Summary: This guidance document supports the reporting process under the Water Framework Directive (WFD), focusing on water quality and resource management. Implications: The WFD sets standards for water management that affect both rural and urban regions, requiring integrated water governance. Recommendations: Regional action plans should align with WFD requirements by incorporating water quality and resource management strategies. Promote rural-urban cooperation on water conservation, pollution control, and sustainable resource use to meet WFD targets.

URL: EU WFD Reporting Guidance

Original Reference: Westling, E.L. et al. (2019). Reflexive adaptation for resilient water services: Lessons for theory and practice.

Brief Summary: Explores governance strategies that enhance rural-urban resilience to environmental and economic shocks. Recommendations: RAPs should adopt multi-level governance models that promote coordination between rural and urban policymakers, ensuring more integrated and resilient regional development.

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0959378017300727

Original Reference: Clary, J. et al. (2017a). International Stormwater BMP Database 2016 summary statistics. Water Environment & Reuse Foundation. Alexandria, Virginia

Brief Summary: This report discusses best practices for resource recovery in both rural and urban areas, focusing on sustainable waste management and the circular economy. Implications: Resource recovery can foster sustainable rural-urban synergies by reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency. Recommendations: Include resource recovery and circular economy practices in regional action plans, promoting collaboration between rural and urban stakeholders on waste management, recycling, and sustainable resource use to enhance environmental sustainability.

URL: WERF Resource Recovery

Original Reference: Kartha, S. & Dooley, K. (2016). The risks of relying on tomorrow’s ‘negative emissions’ to guide today’s mitigation action. Stockholm Environment Institute, Working Paper 2016-08.

Brief Summary: The study critiques overreliance on future negative emissions technologies, recommending immediate climate actions. RAPs should focus on realistic, actionable climate adaptation strategies instead of deferred technological solutions.

URL: https://www.sei.org/publications/the-risks-of-relying-on-tomorrows-negative-emissi

Original Reference: Gurnell, A. et al. (2015). A multi-scale hierarchical framework for developing understanding of river behaviour to support river management. Aquatic Sciences, 78(1): 1-6.

Brief Summary: Discusses the importance of river ecosystems for sustainable rural-urban water management. PoliRuralPlus should ensure RAPs include integrated water management practices that protect rural water resources while supporting urban needs.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-015-0424-5

Original Reference: Kail, J. & Wolter, C. (2011). Analysis and evaluation of large-scale river restoration planning in Germany to better link river research and management. River Research & Applications 27(8): 985-999.

Brief Summary: The article analyzes river restoration in Europe, focusing on ecological health, community engagement, and policy barriers. For PoliRuralPlus, the inclusion of sustainable water management practices in RAPs can improve rural resilience and environmental health.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/rra.1402

Original Reference: Piegay, H. et al. (2020). Remotely sensed rivers in the Anthropocene: state of the art and prospects. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 45(1): 157-188.

Brief Summary: Highlights the importance of river restoration projects in bridging rural-urban divides. Recommendations: Include river restoration projects in RAPs, promoting biodiversity and improving water quality for both rural and urban areas.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.4787

Original Reference: Pontee, N.I. et al. (2016). Building with nature: Lessons from around the world. Maritime Engineering Journal, 169(1): 29-36.

Brief Summary: Analyzes flood management strategies that integrate rural and urban areas. Recommendations: RAPs should include flood management strategies that integrate rural and urban systems, focusing on shared risk mitigation measures such as wetlands restoration and river management.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1680/jmaen.2016.169.1.29

Original Reference: Bulkeley, H. (2020b). Nature-based Solutions: towards sustainable communities - analysis of EU funded projects. EU Publications Office, Luxembourg

Brief Summary: This publication highlights the importance of fostering partnerships between rural and urban areas to create integrated regional development strategies. It emphasizes the need for balanced governance models and equitable resource distribution between rural and urban regions. For PoliRuralPlus, the key takeaway is to foster regional partnerships that ensure inclusive economic development and environmental sustainability. These partnerships can be integrated into the Regional Action Plans to strengthen the connections between rural and urban stakeholders.

URL: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/afea2150-5e13-11ea-8b81-01aa75ed71a1/language-en

Original Reference: Nadin, V. & Stead, D. (2008). European spatial planning systems, social models and learning. disP - The Planning Review, 44 (172): 35-47.

Brief Summary: Analyzes the patterns of labor migration from rural to urban areas. PoliRuralPlus should create balanced migration strategies to retain talent in rural regions and ensure cohesive rural-urban workforce planning​(

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/02513625.2008.10557001

Original Reference: Ellis, J.B. & Mitchell, G. (2006). Urban diffuse pollution: key data information approaches for the Water Framework Directive. Water and Environment Journal, 20(1): 19-26

Brief Summary: This article explores rural employment challenges and the need for policy innovation. RAPs should focus on creating job opportunities in rural areas, leveraging digitalization and innovation to reduce migration to urban centers. PoliRuralPlus pilots can benefit from these approaches to boost rural employment and strengthen rural-urban links.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-6593.2005.00002.x

Original Reference: George, G. & Bock, A. J. (2011). The business model in practice and its Implications for entrepreneurship research. Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 35(1): 83–111. doi: 0.2139/ssrn.1490251.

Brief Summary: Explores entrepreneurship in rural regions. Recommends including entrepreneurship support in RAPs to enhance rural economic development and linkages with urban markets.

URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-6520.2010.00423.x