Guiding principles of the PDAT
1. Prepare the resilience of the territory
Definition
A resilient territory can be described as such if it has the capacity to anticipate, respond and adapt in order to maintain the quality of life regardless of the disturbances to which it is exposed.
Why should this be a guiding principle?
In the face of current and future crises, it is important to organise the territory's resilience quickly in order to preserve the quality of life and strengthen the territory's capacity to respond to these crises.
2. Ensure territorial, social and economic cohesion
Definition
Territorial cohesion encompasses the economic and social dimension of the objective of sustainable development in all parts of the territory. In this respect, it is closely linked to the principle of (interregional) equity and solidarity, whose guarantors are, among others, the different levels of public authorities, which must coordinate their actions in advance.
Why should this be a guiding principle?
The implementation of a territorial, social and economic cohesion policy requires a strong and continuous/sustained commitment of all policy makers and citizens to the common good, going beyond local and individual interests. The aim is to provide citizens with equal living conditions, regardless of the type of space and the place where they live. As stated in the Spatial Planning Act of 17 April 2018, territorial cohesion is implemented for "the entire population" and "through the enhancement and sustainable development of all parts of the national territory". In this way, territorial cohesion contributes to the economic and social balance/balance of the country.
3. Ensure sustainable use of natural resources
Definition
Natural resources are the basis of life of a territory, i.e. the living layer known as the biosphere, which includes air, water, soil and the organic life it contains, the diversity of living organisms on the earth's surface (fauna and flora), freshwater reserves and networks, and the food web of cultivated land.
Why should this be a guiding principle?
Natural resources are limited, especially in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, which is characterised by its small size and rapid economic development. A coordinated spatial strategy makes it possible to protect the heavily used natural resources, to use them efficiently and to preserve them for future generations.
4. Accelerating the transition to a CO2-neutral territory
Definition
A carbon-neutral territory is one in which greenhouse gas emissions are in balance with the uptake of carbon from the atmosphere by carbon sinks.
Why should this be a guiding principle?
Spatial development/land use planning can play an essential role in achieving a carbon neutral territory by limiting the impact of human activities on global warming, conserving land and natural resources, and promoting new lifestyles/habits.
