Development of Planning Tools for Zones Adjacent to Urban Natural Protected Areas—Case Study: Romania

The issue of natural protected areas in the urban environment is not a new topic at the European level, but its approach differs from one state to another, depending on phrasing the issues in a particular context. Romania was selected as study area because, despite its exceptionally rich natural heritage, no urban-planning instruments dedicated to the areas adjacent to natural protected sites have been adopted so far. The purpose of this article is to identify what kind of tools can be adopted for a two-way support—both with respect to planning and the natural heritage. The key roles of areas adjacent to urban natural protected sites are identified in order to establish appropriate descriptive terms. The principles and objectives required for planning these zones are critically examined, enabling an assessment of their applicability and quantifying their potential through urban indicators, indices, and specific planning measures. Ultimately, following the formulation supporting instruments, the study highlights the need for an adapted urban-planning documentation structure tailored to such sensitive territories and the need to provide public access to information through a dedicated platform supporting informed decision-making.