Green infrastructure, a wealth for Europe’s cities Chantal van Ham European Programme Officer IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature International Union for Conservation of Nature
International Union for Conservation of Nature
Did you know that…. • By 2020, 80% of Europe’s population will live in urban areas? • Brussels is home to > 50% of floral species in Belgium? • 60% of land projected to become urban by 2030 still has to be built? • If every household in England had good access to quality green space, around € 2,5 bln/year could be saved in health costs? • The economic value of CO2 stored in Amsterdam’s 400,000 trees is estimated to be worth € 73,000 annually? • 1/3 of the world’s largest cities obtain a significant proportion of their drinking water from forest protected areas? International Union for Conservation of Nature
Managing the urban green landscape Policy tools and instruments for green infrastructure Investment in protection, restoration and maintenance of green infrastructure, an amazing untapped potential Micro-climate regulation, water provision, recreation, urban biodiversity, food production, health well-being International Union for Conservation of Nature
Berlin, biotope area factor The area portion of a plot of land for new development that serves as a location for plants or assumes other functions for the ecosystem Reduction of the environmental impact in the city center Improving the ecosystem's functionality and promoting the development of biotopes Covers urban forms of use - residential, commercial, and infrastructural - ecological minimum standards for structural changes and new development International Union for Conservation of Nature
Lisbon, metropolitan ecological network • Ecological network, a tool for land management at the national, regional and local level since 1999 • Metropolitan ecological network: connectivity urban and rural areas and environmental goals • Strategic plan: competitiveness, environmental sustainability, equity and governance • Green Infrastructure benefits: ecosystem resilience, climate change adaptation, disaster prevention, ecosystem service provision International Union for Conservation of Nature
Plymouth’s Green Infrastructure Delivery Plan • Green spaces of importance for people, environment and economy • A blueprint for existing spaces, creation of future spaces and their linkages • Identify elements for Green Infrastructure and find consensus for sustainable growth of the city and its surroundings • Many benefits: health and well-being, biodiversity, climate change adaptation, a low carbon economy, local food, sustainable transport International Union for Conservation of Nature
Copenhagen, green roof policy • Copenhagen carbon neutral by 2025 • Adaptation to climate change and ecosystem based approach • Green roofs, a solution • Essential: leadership, multifunctional potential, engagement of private actors International Union for Conservation of Nature
Ramsar principles for urban and peri-urban wetlands • No further degradation or loss of wetlands as a result of urban development or management • Wetlands as essential water management infrastructure • Restoration of wetlands and creation as elements of urban infrastructure to optimise ecosystem service delivery • Understanding the value of wetlands • Stakeholder engagement • Integrated planning International Union for Conservation of Nature
The way forward • Demonstrate benefits and share best practices of green infrastructure in urban spatial planning and design • Foster connectivity between urban and rural areas • Integrate green infrastructure in sustainable urban development • Promote cooperation between private, public & NGO partners International Union for Conservation of Nature
Thank you ! chantal.vanham@iucn.org International Union for Conservation of Nature
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