Parte del Focus "Pathways to ecological transition"
a cura di Benedetta Giudice
PhD student, URD-DIST/Politecnico di Torino
This article examines how multilevel governance addresses ecological transition in the Valencian Community following the October 2024 flood. By analysing institutions, norms and instruments, it highlights the strengths and weaknesses of Spain’s governance system from national to local levels, with a specific focus on the Spanish Urban Agenda and the municipality of Catarroja. Drawing on transition-to-sustainability theories, the article frames ecological transition as a collaborative process requiring coordination among actors, institutions and knowledge across sectors such as energy, water and spatial planning. The analysis is structured around a theoretical overview of national and regional governance frameworks and a case study that explores how higher-level strategies are translated into local actions after the Dana flood event. Particular attention is given to flexible, non-binding tools such as the Spanish Urban Agenda and innovation networks, assessing their role in fostering adaptive, participatory and place-based responses.
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