Planning a Green Infrastructure Network from Theory to Practice: The Case Study of Setúbal, Portugal

Abstract

Green infrastructure is a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas that are designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. It incorporates green and blue spaces and other physical features in terrestrial and marine areas. Despite the increase of green infrastructure planning in several regions of the world, such as Europe and North America, there is still a complexity and diversity associated with the concept of green infrastructure that influences the variance in approaches of green infrastructure planning. This research proposed a multi-criteria method that was organized in four steps for designing a green infrastructure for the municipality of Setúbal (Portugal) that efficiently integrated the ecological and social components in the planning and policymaking processes, as well as green infrastructure planning principles. The results show a green infrastructure that comprised around 91% of the territory of the case study, organized into two systems: the fundamental green infrastructure, which was related to the areas whose ecological interests were more favorable, and the urban green infrastructure, which aimed to enhance and intensify ecological processes in built-up areas. This approach focused on the protection of ecological functions, the preservation of the cultural and natural heritage, and the prevention of risks at a local level; it also followed several green infrastructure planning principles, namely, connectivity, multifunctionality, diversity, integration, and applicability.

Green System Development in the Medinas of Tunis and Marrakesh—Green Heritage and Urban Livability

“…Social benefits are related to the wellbeing of the inhabitants and the connection of city users with the urban green spaces, which can promote cultural activities and social interactions [5][6][7][8][9][10]. In certain areas, contextual challenges should be taken into consideration as well, such as safety concerns [5]. Green infrastructure also contributes to the strengthening of the connectivity with nature, heritage, and place [9] (pp.…”

“…Residential houses have massive facades with few openings, yet the courtyards connect the houses with the outside environment [16] (pp. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]. Moreover, while the functions are organized according to religious, social, and economic hierarchies, the urban system is not defined by uniform directions [3].…”

“…Nowadays, along with the evolutio of the historic city, the tree is becoming an element more and more present in the publi spaces [16] (pp. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…Since the late 1990s, the urban green infrastructure (UGI) concept has proved its ability to convey multiple benefits in different urban landscapes, mainly in Western Europe [5]. However, in other regions such as Africa, the concept of green infrastructure (GI) needs to be apprehended in theory and practice [6].…”

Sustainable Urban Green Infrastructure Development and Management System in Rapidly Urbanized Cities of Ethiopia

“…Currently, urban green infrastructure (UGI) is acclaimed as an alternative nature-based and cost-effective remedy to these negative consequences [11][12][13][14][15], and it is increasingly recognized as playing a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of urban environments and transforming urban centers [16]. UGI commonly refers to the strategically planned interconnected network of high quality natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features, which is developed and managed to provide multifunctional benefits and protect biodiversity in both urban and rural areas [11,12,[17][18][19]. Therefore, UGI in the context of this study, is a part of an urban area with a mix of street trees, parks, garden, green corridors, and sport fields established outside urban plans, proposed in urban plans, and established as a result of the implementation of urban plans.…”