SYMBIOSIS is advancing its work concerning more sustainable, inclusive and nature-positive transport infrastructure across Europe. As part of this work, the project is assessing how societal and environmental priorities can be better integrated into transport planning and decision-making through Deliverable 5.1 “Analysis report on assessing societal priorities on sustainable transport development”, submitted to ERJU.
Deliverable 5.1 presents the work carried out under Task 5.1, focusing mainly on the rail sector while also considering its interdependencies with other transport modes, the energy sector, land use and biodiversity. The analysis examines how sustainable transport infrastructure can contribute to climate objectives, accessibility, territorial cohesion and economic development, while also considering potential impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, public health, well-being, social equity and local communities.
The work combines literature and policy review, analysis of relevant projects and initiatives, stakeholder mapping and consultation activities, Multicriteria Analysis (MCA) and Societal Readiness Level (SRL) assessment. This provides a structured approach to identifying and prioritising societal, environmental and governance-related challenges and assessing the readiness of proposed measures.
The analysis highlights the importance of integrating biodiversity, ecosystem services and societal priorities earlier in infrastructure planning and decision-making. It also points to the need for stronger consideration of public health, well-being, accessibility and social equity, improved assessment of cumulative and cross-sectoral impacts, and more meaningful stakeholder participation throughout the infrastructure lifecycle.
Stakeholder consultation showed that transport projects are mainly perceived as providing benefits in terms of accessibility, mobility and economic opportunities. At the same time, biodiversity protection, social inclusion, monitoring, transparency and clarity of stakeholder roles emerged as areas requiring further attention.
D5.1 supports the wider SYMBIOSIS objective of developing transport infrastructure that is not only low-carbon and efficient, but also inclusive, biodiversity-sensitive and socially acceptable.
SYMBIOSIS will also participate in the IENE 2026 International Conference, taking place in Bristol, from 21 to 25 September 2026. The project’s proposal for an interactive workshop has been accepted, with the session taking place on 22 September. The workshop will provide an opportunity to bring together experts and stakeholders to exchange perspectives and further explore how biodiversity considerations can be integrated into transport infrastructure planning and development.
Through this interactive session, SYMBIOSIS will share its ongoing work, strengthen exchanges with the wider biodiversity and infrastructure community, and gather stakeholder perspectives that can contribute to the project’s next activities.
Read the IENE 2026 Programme here: https://www.iene2026.info/programme-at-a-glance