1 Peri-Urban Regions Platform Europe The PURPLE network

2 Now a network of 15 regions…

…and one which would like to grow further! After 6 years we have brought ‘peri-urban’ into the EU policy agenda. We feel there is real potential to take this further, so policy makers at all levels start to understand and deal with the complex challenges facing peri- urban areas 3

4 Peri-urban regions – some issues Proximity to large cities and their populations (…opportunities, but pressures and challenges too) Multi-functional areas, often with large populations in their own right (not typically ‘rural’) Pressures on open space and quality of life (including urban sprawl, stretched infrastructure and resources) High quality landscapes (how to manage and maintain these and protect fragile biodiversity?) Agricultural and horticultural production (maintaining viability, responding to new markets, feeding urban populations)

5 There has been a lack of recognition in European institutions of the need for specific policies or support for peri-urban regions… ….yet they constitute the interface between the 75% of EU citizens living in Europe’s urban areas and the adjacent countryside, which is increasingly valued for its local produce and resources, its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage and quality of life.

6 How is PURPLE organised? An Executive Board currently of 6 political representatives chosen from the member regions (with elections every two years) proposes policy and actions A General Assembly consisting of political representatives from all member regions manages the network. It meets twice a year during a large scale PURPLE conference held in one of the member regions Officer-led Working Group and Lobby Group meet regularly (usually in Brussels)

What is the commitment? Political participation in the General Assembly (2X per year) Officer participation in Working Groups (4X per year) Optional participation in the work of the Lobby Group in Brussels (6X per year) An annual fee of €4000 PURPLE is participative. We do not have a big secretariat and the members collaborate to develop the strategy and carry out actions. 7

8 Secretary General Hilary Lowson