Climate-responsive coastal spatial planning: Frameworks for mainstreaming adaptation strategies in Kadıköy/Türkiye

Abstract

The thesis examines the role of spatial planning, particularly in coastal cities, in increasing resilience to the growing risks of climate change (sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion). The main objective of the study is to integrate/strengthen climate adaptation content into coastal spatial planning and to raise awareness about climate-resilient actions within the community. In this context, the main focus of the thesis is to propose a flexible and sustainable spatial guide/framework that goes beyond the reactive nature of current coastal management. Within the scope of the study, four main objectives were determined to achieve the specified goals. The methodology is based on a Benchmarking Model aimed at identifying best practices. In the first phase, the academic literature on the subject was scanned using the content analysis method, followed by an examination of climate adaptation plans and practices at the national and local levels (such as Rotterdam, London, and New York) in leading countries like the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States, resulting in the creation of a matrix. In light of this practical and theoretical knowledge, the two main hypotheses of the thesis (integration and awareness) were tested through a quantitative survey study (N=104) conducted in the Caferağa neighborhood of Kadıköy, Istanbul, Türkiye. Non-parametric tests (Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, Chi-Square) were used in the analyzes, primarily due to the ordinal and nominal data structure. The main finding of the thesis is that current coastal management and urban development plans are inadequate in sufficiently predicting climate risks. Quantitative analyzes showed that climate adaptation strategies were not integrated into the spatial planning system at the expected level (H1 accepted) and that community awareness was also not high (H1 accepted). Based on these findings, the thesis proposes solutions that shape adaptation across three main pillars: climate-adapted spatial planning, legal integration, and administrative requirements. The final output of the thesis is the creation of an integrated guideline that will enable the inclusion of climate change adaptation policies in spatial planning processes. The guide advocates for the establishment of Multifunctional Coastal Buffer Zones and the implementation of Sponge City concept policies. In the Policy Recommendations section, concrete regulatory provisions are presented to enhance the enforceability of Turkey's fundamental laws, such as the existing Coastal Law, Zoning Law, and Climate Law. This study is unique in that it is the first to address the integration of climate adaptation into spatial planning in Türkiye and contributes to planning revisions by offering concrete legal recommendations. The results obtained strongly demonstrate the necessity of adopting a flexible, proactive, and holistic planning model to address future risks in our coastal cities. In other words, this thesis contributes to the discipline with offering new perspectives. For example, small scale projects/interventions (green corridor etc.) and short-term plans should be prioritized rather than long term plans. Moreover, awareness steps should be developed by law. In Türkiye, we have newly climate law (July,2025). Inside this law, some regulations offered.