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Although conservation and development are two facets of sustainability, they are often placed in contradictory positions. In this context, planning systems are able to respond to investment pressure, especially in countries with underdeveloped institutional solutions for this purpose, and are consequently characterized by a shifting relationship between spatial planning and environmental protection. Although these issues have been relatively well conceptualized, the literature still lacks more in-depth analyses of selected case studies. In order to fill the gap, this study aimed to identify potential ways to protect the environment and natural values in urban areas from investment pressures in countries with less developed planning systems, based on a comparative Polish-Romanian perspective. The method consisted of comparing the national legal frameworks for environmental protection and spatial development and analyzing in detail two case studies from each country. The findings indicate that national protection is required in both countries to ensure the effective protection of natural areas situated within city administrative limits that provide important ecosystem services. Moreover, the results reveal the need for more research on similar areas using multi-scale interdisciplinary approaches and reviewing planning theory with respect to its efficiency in protecting nature.

Urban natural parks represent a remarkable concept that evokes the coexistence of human habitation with a wild environment, and the associated interactions between human and natural territories. In this context, urban noise infringes upon the natural soundscape, leading to various consequences for both realms. This study seeks to characterize the impact of anthropic noise levels on biodiversity in the urban natural Văcărești Park (Bucharest, Romania), utilizing on-site measurements and software simulation techniques. The study seeks to develop a method for evaluating integrative strategies to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on wildlife in an urban wild park, without addressing the specific effects of noise on the perception and communication of individual species. By calibrating field measurements with laboratory results, a more reliable data set will be used to identify areas where the biophonic environment is impacted by anthropogenic noise. Since human-generated noise in an urban natural park predominantly originates from road traffic and industrial sites, managing traffic noise and its propagation pathways could substantially improve the park’s soundscape. Additionally, this study will apply software simulations for noise reduction strategies, such as vegetation planting and earthen embankments, to obtain suitable solutions and propose plausible and effective actions to authorities for improving the biophonic environment. This research could also serve as the basis for long-term monitoring, allowing for the assessment of the evolution and impact of implemented measures over time.

New strategies and market segments considering integrated approaches have emerged as critical components in the energy transition. Agrivoltaics is one approach that has shown a lot of promise for offering advantages in the food-energy-water nexus. The agrivoltaic system involves the installation of photovoltaic panels above agricultural lands to generate electricity while also allowing for crop production. The paper “SWOT and TOWS Matrix Analysis of Agrivoltaic System” comprehensively analyses the potential strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) associated with implementing an agrivoltaic system. This study utilizes a SWOT analysis framework to identify and evaluate the internal and external factors that could impact the implementation and success of the agrivoltaic system. A TOWS matrix analysis is also conducted to formulate strategic recommendations based on the identified SWOT factors. The analysis results reveal that the agrivoltaic system has numerous strengths, including its potential to generate renewable energy, increase crop yield, and provide economic benefits to farmers. However, the system also faces several weaknesses and threats, such as high initial investment costs, land use conflicts, and potential environmental impacts. Based on the TOWS matrix analysis, this study provides strategic recommendations to maximize the potential of the agrivoltaic system while mitigating its weaknesses and threats. These recommendations include adopting a flexible pricing strategy, researching the system’s environmental impact, promoting collaboration between various stakeholders like government agencies, farmers, and energy service companies. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the potential of agrivoltaic systems and the factors that should be considered when implementing such a system. The findings can help stakeholders make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to ensure the integration of agrivoltaic systems into agricultural practices.