Distinctive features of spatial planning nearby estuaries – an exploratory analysis of water-related rules in municipal master plans in Portugal

摘要: Abstract Land-use types and related intensities are often associated with pressures disturbances on estuarine environmental values ecosystem services provided by water. Although varied legal frameworks across countries, broadly, spatial planning has been expected to contribute the protection of environmentally sensitive areas, such as estuaries. Among various tools plan's land-use control rules. This article studies incorporation water-related terms in regulations municipal master plans assess if rules established areas significantly different from others, upstream areas. It does so developing a content analysis set plans' located two river basins Mainland Portugal. The results show greater Moreover, they diversity topics, types, focus whereas regulatory approaches look poorer. is globally higher younger plans, certain extent, more artificialized dense territories, clear distinctiveness concerns remains visible. Surprisingly, bring fore fragilities worthy attention future studies. methodology used for disclosed valuable path research it easily expandable take into consideration land-uses or be applied regions, further refine distinctive features explicitly other water problems.