Understanding the dilemmas of multifunctional regional planning

Abstract

Multifunctional projects integrate land uses to fulfill economic, environmental and social objectives. Planning multifunctional projects is complex because of the interdependence of effects and actors. When selecting functional combinations, actors often encounter dilemmas related to the project priorities. This paper draws on an earlier categorisation of dilemmas, identifying the regulation and investment dilemmas in a multifunctional case in the Dutch South West Delta. Our results show the influence of dilemmas on the course of decision making in a multifunctional project. In our case, the investment dilemma prevails because decision makers must balance the need to select functions based on earning potential while satisfying other stakeholder demands. Furthermore, we shed light on the interrelation between the regulation and investment dilemmas, given the tension of having to transform and preserve values in an area while prioritising regional demands and earning potential.