Green and Blue Infrastructures in Urban Areas

Technical articles - NBSOIL - Climate resilience, and reduction of heat islands

Biodiversity Ecological Connectivity Ecosystem Services Urban Planning Water Management

Contemporary challenges, such as climate change and increasing urbanization, highlight the urgent need for a new approach to land use planning. For farmers, soil consultants, and all land-related professionals, it is essential to understand and engage with the concept of Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) in urban and peri-urban areas. Far from being mere decorative features, they represent a vital network of natural solutions that benefit not only city dwellers but also directly contribute to the vitality and sustainability of the surrounding rural landscapes (Chiesura et al., 2018; Lázaro Marín & Alcántara, 2021).

What is Green and Blue Infrastructure?

BVIs are an "intelligently planned and managed network of natural and semi-natural areas" that provide a multitude of environmental and social benefits (Chiesura et al., 2018, p. 1). This concept is widely recognized as an effective and cost-effective approach to addressing current environmental and societal challenges (Lázaro Marín & Alcántara, 2021; Smith et al., 2023).

This network consists of two elements:

• Green elements: include public green spaces (parks, historic gardens, playgrounds, tree-lined avenues), protected natural areas (nature parks, oases, reserves), and specifically designed spaces such as agricultural parks, urban forests, community gardens, green roofs and walls, and permeable surfaces (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 1, 7, 10, 17, 19; Comitato per lo sviluppo del verde pubblico, 2017; Ferrand, 2010; Owuor et al., n.d.; Smith et al., 2023; WSL & Eawag, 2022). For you, as soil workers, agricultural parks are particularly relevant because they are created to preserve historic rural landscapes and enhance the agricultural vocation of peri-urban areas, ensuring quality agri-food production and other essential ecosystem services (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 2, 21, 28).
• Blue elements: denote water-related components: rivers, lakes, wetlands, ponds, and even coastal and marine areas (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 1, 10, 19, 22; Ferrand, 2010; Smith et al., 2023). These infrastructures are crucial for rainwater management and the revitalization of aquatic ecosystems (KAN, n.d.; Smith et al., 2023; WSL & Eawag, 2022). The implementation of open-air stormwater management systems, such as grassed swales or vegetated retention basins, allows for the creation of new natural continuities while integrating water into the urban landscape (Ferrand, 2010, pp. 134, 135; KAN, n.d.). The entire concept contributes to the vision of the "sponge city," where rainwater is absorbed and managed on site, reducing pressure on sewer systems and promoting groundwater recharge (WSL & Eawag, 2022, pp. 218, 219).

A multitude of benefits for territories and their inhabitants

The BVI provide a wide range of services that improve the quality of life and resilience of ecosystems:

• Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services: They are essential for preserving biodiversity by providing habitats and ecological corridors. The protection of pollinators, particularly bees and other apoidae, is a fundamental service for ecosystems and global agri-food production (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 2, 19, 32, 39, 85, 87; WSL & Eawag, 2022, p. 221). Revitalized wetlands and rivers, for example, contribute to the richness of aquatic and terrestrial species and provide vital food resources (WSL & Eawag, 2022, pp. 212, 226).
• Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: BVIs are effective tools against climate change. They reduce urban heat islands through shading and evapotranspiration, improve air quality by filtering pollutants, and manage stormwater to prevent flooding (Bach et al., 2021; Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 1, 19, 76; Smith et al., 2023; WSL & Eawag, 2022, pp. 219, 233).
• Soil and water protection: They promote natural water infiltration, protecting soils from erosion and contributing to the recharge of underground aquifers (KAN, n.d.; Marinosci et al., 2018, p. 76; Comitato per lo sviluppo del verde pubblico, 2017, p. 387; WSL & Eawag, 2022, p. 219). For farmers, this is directly linked to land fertility and water availability for crops. * Socio-cultural and economic benefits: These spaces improve the physical and mental well-being of city dwellers by providing places for leisure, relaxation, and sports (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 10, 19; Ferrand, 2010, p. 95; Owuor et al., n.d., pp. 187, 188). They can also support the local economy by promoting local agricultural products and new employment opportunities (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 28, 426; Lázaro Marín & Alcántara, 2021, pp. 283, 327). Educational and research projects can also be conducted in these spaces, strengthening the connection between nature and society (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 6, 39, 84; Owuor et al., n.d., p. 193).

Challenges and Future Opportunities

Despite their potential, the full integration of BVIs faces several obstacles. A major challenge is the "lack of integration of green spaces into local urban planning." The continued loss of agricultural and natural lands due to urbanization is also a major concern (Marinosci et al., 2018, p. 76).

To overcome these challenges, several avenues are essential:

• Strengthen planning and management: The adoption of specific management tools such as green cadastres, green regulations, and green plans is crucial (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 45, 46, 51; Public Green Development Committee, 2017, pp. 348, 369). Differentiated management, which adapts maintenance practices to the function and intensity of use of spaces, optimizes resources and promotes biodiversity (Public Green Development Committee, 2017, pp. 393, 394).
• Promote collaboration and training: Effective coordination between different stakeholders (administrations, green professionals, citizens, businesses) is essential (Donati et al., 2023; Lázaro Marín & Alcántara, 2021, p. 285; WSL & Eawag, 2022, pp. 222, 233, 237). Continuous training of operators and the development of technical protocols for sustainable practices (e.g., pesticide reduction) are also vital (Comitato per lo sviluppo del verde pubblico, 2017, pp. 349, 407, 415).
• Actively involve the population: Raising awareness and involving citizens is fundamental to the protection and enhancement of green heritage. This includes reporting anomalies, adopting green zones, or participating in urban agriculture projects (Chiesura et al., 2018, pp. 6, 84; Comitato per lo sviluppo del verde pubblico, 2017, pp. 355, 420, 424, 426). Soil workers can share their expertise to strengthen the links between agricultural practices and urban green space management.

In conclusion

Green and blue infrastructure are nature-based solutions that, although complex, are essential for building more resilient, livable cities that are in better synergy with their rural environment. By integrating these concepts into territorial planning and fostering transdisciplinary collaboration, we can collectively build a future where nature is a central pillar of our development.

References

• Alberico, S., et al. (2018). Esperienze virtuose di pianificazione di area vasta in Piemonte. In Qualità dell’ambiente urbano – XIV Rapporto (ISPRA Stato dell’Ambiente 82/18) (pp. 276-278). ISPRA.
• Bach, P. M., Probst, N., & Maurer, M. (2021). Urbane Strategien zur Hitze-minderung. Wie wirksam sind blau-grüne Infrastrukturen? Aqua & Gas, 2021(10), 20–25.
• Chiesura, A., & Mirabile, M. (2018). Il verde pubblico. In Qualità dell’ambiente urbano – XIV Rapporto (ISPRA Stato dell’Ambiente 82/18) (pp. 190-201). ISPRA.
• Comitato per lo sviluppo del verde pubblico (MATTM). (2017). Linee guida per il governo sostenibile del verde urbano. MATTM.
• Donati, G., van den Brandeler, F., Bolliger, J., & Fischer, M. (2023). Une infrastructure bleue et verte efficace requiert des protagonistes connectés. Hotspot, 48, 17–19.
• Ferrand, J.-P. (2010). Guide de la trame verte et bleue du Schéma de Cohérence Territoriale Caen Métropole. Caen Métropole.
• KAN. (n.d.). Regenwater in stedelijk gebied [Brochure].
• Lázaro Marín, L., & Alcántara, A. (Eds.). (2021). Informe de las Jornadas Técnicas: Soluciones basadas en la Naturaleza para la conectividad y restauración ambiental en el marco de la Estrategia Nacional de Infraestructura Verde. UICN-Med.
• Marinosci, I., Munafò, M., Congedo, L., & Strollo, A. (2018). Infrastrutture verdi: Perdita di aree agricole, naturali e seminaturali. In Qualità dell’ambiente urbano – XIV Rapporto (ISPRA Stato dell’Ambiente 82/18) (pp. 268-275). ISPRA.
• Owuor, J. A., Whitehead, I., & De Vreese, R. (n.d.). Liberare il potenziale delle foreste urbane Sviluppare un piano d’azione locale per la forestazione urbana. European Forest Institute.
• Smith, V., Cook, L. M., & Oppliger, S. (2023). Umsetzung blau-grüner Infrastruktur weltweit. Was kann die Schweiz daraus lernen? Aqua & Gas, 2023(9), 16–24.
• WSL & Eawag. (2022). Blue-Green Biodiversity: What Switzerland can learn from the initiative.

This page has been written for the NBSOIL project, with the financial help of the European Union, with the help of the Centre National d'Agroécologie, of Ver de Terre Production and of Neayi