The territorial dynamics of fast-growing regions: Unsustainable land use change and future policy challenges in Madrid, Spain

The Madrid region of Spain has experienced remarkable change in the configuration and use of its territory over the last 20 years, notably rapid and dispersed growth of transport networks and urban areas, accompanied by a steady decline in productive agricultural land, which has helped feed the development boom. Results of analysis of CORINE land cover data over 3 dates (1990–2000–2006) for a 77053 ha study area north-west of the Spanish capital demonstrate that 8699 ha (11.3%) of the total land area has been subject to change. Agricultural areas have shown significant reduction in area (down 1833 ha, a 10% decline) while artificial surfaces, predominantly urban areas, have increased dramatically (up 3339 ha, a 51% increase). Urban development has been intensive and poorly controlled. Investigation of these dynamics suggest serious concerns for sustainability in the territory. To move towards a more sustainable configuration, the implication of all stakeholders in the Madrid region will be required. A methodological framework is presented for implementation of sustainable development initiatives through sustainability action groups, in which integrated land use models and participatory planning activities are used to develop and test new policy initiatives.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights►The Madrid region of Spain has experienced remarkably dynamic land use change over the past 20 years. ►These changes can be documented to a high level of detail using the CORINE land cover dataset, which forms an effective baseline dataset for regional land planning. ►Urbanization has occurred away from the capital city in an unmanaged and unsustainable way, aided by liberal land use policies and abandonment of agrarian land areas. ►Top-down political solutions are not forthcoming; integrative methodologies based on rapid sustainable development appraisals, communication and cooperation between municipalities and local groups, and participatory approaches using land use scenario modeling, offer a way forward.