Land use consequences of the evolution of cemeteries in the Bucharest Metropolitan Area

The uncontrolled development of built-up areas determines the inclusion of peripheral and ex-urban land uses inside the settlements. In the present study, we investigated the geographic differences in the rate of land conversion to cemetery areas, considered as peripheral areas, from the Bucharest Metropolitan Area. Using geospatial data about the cemeteries and their adjacent land uses, we evaluated the spatial changes of cemeteries at LAU2 (Local Administrative Units level 2) level (i.e. municipalities, cities, communes). Between 1975 and 2008, we observed an increase in the number of cemeteries with a surface area of 100.8 ha, mainly in areas with poor environmental quality in proximity of Bucharest city. Cemeteries tend to become common land uses within the built-up areas, occupying increasing surface areas (up to 3.5%), with important consequences, especially in areas close to Bucharest city. Cemeteries are a good example of peripheral land use, characterised by a permanent impact on human settlements. The inclusion of peripheral land uses inside the settlements promotes urban sprawl, favours inefficient strategic planning and generates new land use interactions. An increase in the management efficiency of peripheral land uses can alleviate negative interactions and favour sound planning options for the sustainability of settlements.