Abstract Body

An environmental study is the preliminary stage of spatial policy development in Poland. It describes in detail the environmental conditions. During its evolution, the scope and principles of the environmental studies have been adapted to the changing circumstances but not always kept up with the emerging challenges. Environmental studies performed so far have focused on the characteristics of the natural environment and the determination of the resulting limitations. They were usually formulated in the form of restrictions and provisions relating to areas with natural functions. These provisions practically did not refer to the natural functions improvement of built-up areas. Presented Environmental Study of Warsaw goes far beyond the standard procedure. Apart from the elements of the natural environment features, a dynamic approach was presented by indicating the climatic, hydrological, biological and geodynamic processes. In provisions development the concept of green infrastructure for which ecosystem services have been mapped were used. Separately formulated guidelines relates to: (1) the entire city, (2) areas with special natural conditions due to air exchange and regeneration system, protection of biodiversity, erosion and flood control, (3) other non-built-up areas (working landscape), and (4) built-up areas. The provisions are formulated also for built-up areas, so far omitted in environmental documents in Poland. They were divided according to their share of green areas as well as runoff curve number (CN) used to forecast the runoff of hydrological processes or infiltration related to land use and soil type. Guidelines are presented in the form of pictorial drawings as a best practices catalogue to be used in spatial planning documents. This form is more understandable for professionals and broader audience. The proposed set of guidelines is flexible - they can be easily adapted to the environmental conditions prevailing both in dense downtown areas and on the outskirts of the city. Pictorial drawings show various options, depending on the characteristics of the place, one can choose the right solutions to control and maintain the natural processes in the city. This is proactive and not reactive (based on limitations) approach.