Rural areas need to fulfil a large variety of functions and to accommodate many activities. The complexity of the problems, limited funds, and the almost irreversible character of some interventions result in a compelling need to evaluate ex ante the effects of alternative solutions for designation of land, for measures to develop infrastructure, and for soil and water management. Scenario studies are undertaken to help manage the complexity, to place bounds on uncertainties, and to create new visions. After an overview of the nature, variety and scope of scenario studies, the book illuminates various European examples and reviews, under the following headings:

• regional soil and water management;
• nature development and landscape quality;
• rural planning and the future of regions.

Inhalt

General Introduction. Part I: On the Nature, Variety and Scope of Scenario Studies. 1. Scenarios as a tool; F.R. Veeneklaas, et al. 2. Tools for scenario building; P.E.V. van Walsum, et al. 3. Scenarios and rural policy; G. van der Lely, et al. Part II: Regional Soil and Water Management. 4. Modelling concepts; E. Priesack, F. Beese. 5. Models and scale aspect; P.E. O'Connell, et al. 6. Operational decision support tools; S.T. Abdel Gawad, et al. 7. Models and GIS; H.P. Nachtnebel, et al. 8. Model parametrization and data needs; P.A. Finke, et al. 9. Case studies on water and nutrient management; J. Stolte, et al. Part III: Nature Development and Landscape Quality. 10. Current procedures; W.B. Harms, et al. 11. Operational tools; H.J. Verkaar, et al. 12. Requirements and data; J.A. Klijn, et al. 13. Policies; R.H.G. van Wezel, et al. Part IV: Rural Planning and the Future of Regions. 15. Regional rural planning; N. Couix, et al. 16. Operational methods for land use scenarios; J. van Os, et al. 17. Set-aside; D.J. Ansell, et al. 18. New futures for specific regions; G.A. Hoekveld, et al. Subject index. Colour plates.