The Challenge: Accommodating Growth Within Environmental Limits

The Occitania region of France faces a notable challenge: how to accommodate a growing population while adhering to the national goal of zero net land take (ZAN) by 2050. This ambitious target, enshrined in the Climate and Resilience Law, aims to halt the artificialization of land, a critical step in preserving agricultural resources and mitigating climate change impacts. However, local officials are struggling to reconcile this objective with the need to provide housing and infrastructure for new residents.

The Climate and Resilience Law is currently under review in Parliament, with senators recently voting to ease some of its provisions. Local elected officials are keen to contribute to the discussion, as they are the ones who must implement thes policies on the ground. They often express frustration with what they perceive as conflicting demands.

The Scale of the Problem: Urban Sprawl vs. Population Growth

France’s commitment to ZAN reflects a growing awareness of the environmental consequences of unchecked urban sprawl. Since the 1980s, the nation’s population has increased by 19%, while the amount of land covered in concrete has surged by a staggering 70%. In Occitania alone, approximately 3,000 hectares – equivalent to 3,000 rugby fields – are urbanized each year.

This rapid land consumption poses a threat to agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and the overall resilience of the region. According to a 2024 report by the french Surroundings Agency, artificial land surfaces contribute significantly to habitat loss and increased flood risk.

Rethinking Development: Smaller Footprints, Shared Spaces

To achieve ZAN, a essential shift in development practices is required. Yann Cabrol, Director general of AUAT, the local urban planning agency in the Toulouse area, emphasizes the need to imagine another way of welcoming the inhabitants, to welcome the economy, to welcome equipment and services. This involves moving away from the customary model of sprawling subdivisions on undeveloped land.

One approach is to build on smaller plots of land. For example,a large property could be subdivided to create multiple homes,reducing the overall footprint of each dwelling. Another strategy is to redevelop existing urban areas, converting underutilized buildings into new housing or commercial spaces.

The Climate and Resilience Law sets an intermediate target of halving the consumption of natural, agricultural, and forestry spaces between 2021-2031, compared to the period 2011-2021.

Maximizing Land Use: The Power of Multifunctionality

A key concept in achieving ZAN is the idea of multifunctional spaces. As Cabrol explains, This is really the key, it’s a real change. Rather of dedicating specific areas to single uses,planners are exploring ways to create spaces that can serve multiple purposes at different times.

The school courtyard will also be able to serve in the evening to be opened and make a playground for residents of the neighborhood and on weekends, host a small local market for example.

Yann Cabrol, Director general of AUAT

This approach can be applied to parking lots, parks, and other public spaces, maximizing their utility and reducing the need for additional land development. For example, a parking lot could be designed to accommodate a farmers’ market on weekends, or a park could include community gardens and recreational facilities.

Leveraging Existing Resources: Villages as Untapped Potential

Local officials face the challenge of balancing the need to accommodate new residents with the imperative to protect agricultural land. This can lead to what Cabrol describes as contradictory injunctions. However, it’s crucial not to overlook the potential of existing resources, especially in rural villages.

Many villages have vacant housing and underutilized industrial sites that could be repurposed to accommodate new residents and businesses. By investing in the revitalization of these areas, communities can attract new residents while preserving valuable agricultural land. Furthermore, the unique quality of life offered by these villages can be a major draw for those seeking an alternative to urban living.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Approach

As the Climate and Resilience Law continues its journey through the legislative process, it is essential that local officials have a voice in shaping its implementation. A collaborative approach, involving policymakers, planners, and community members, is crucial to finding solutions that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Occitania is projected to experience continued population growth through 2050, albeit at a slower pace then in the past. By embracing innovative development strategies and leveraging existing resources, the region can meet the needs of its growing population while preserving its natural heritage for future generations.