The Caia’s Logistic Platform: Challenges for aTrans-Frontier Territory Management

Abstract

This paper focuses on the trans-frontier region be- tween the cities of Elvas (Portugal) and Badajoz (Spain) and the challenges for spatial planning and regional de- velopment due to recent decisions concerning major investments in this area. Amongst those outstands the de- cision on the location of a railway station of the High Velocity Train (TVG) linking Lisbon and Madrid, the in- vestment into logistic platforms, as well as, a new con- ventional railway line, that links the logistic platform of Poceirão and the Atlantic Port of Sines. Despite these plans the region shows very specific characteristics in terms of its natural values: it includes a land development plan for irrigation, a Nature2000 site, and it is protected under the national legislation as the Agriculture and Eco- logical Reserve (RAN and REN). Within this framework this paper discusses the vari- ous strategic options concerning alternative planning, management and governance models that aim to bring together the emerging opportunities for regional and lo- cal development with the preservation of its natural values. It also analyses the position of Elvas/Badajoz in the Iberian urban system and the network of transportation of merchandise, and it questions its economic viability and the impact that alternative options might present on future land use.