An innovative urban green-blue infrastructure framework for implementing Nature-Based Solutions in cities

The impacts of climate change across the world have led to global effects on multiple levels such as a higher probability of extreme weather events. People, animals, and green spaces in the cities first experience these effects. Around half of the global human population lives in urban areas, so these effects are critical for people living in cities. As cities have started to act on climate change and sustainability, it has become clear that some of the most effective responses are those that have multiple benefits such as nature-based solutions (NBS), an umbrella concept that can provide a promising approach to addressing urban sustainability challenges. Nature-based solutions examples are Urban green areas connected to grey infrastructure, such as alley and street trees, railroad banks, house gardens, green playgrounds and school grounds. These can encompass a range of ecosystem-related approaches inspired and supported by nature, aimed at providing environmental, social, and economic benefits to cities. Green-blue infrastructure (GBI), which can define as a system of green and blue areas across different scales that provides ecosystem services like Parks and (semi)natural urban green areas, including urban forests, as a component of NBS studies, is a vital concept for climate change adaptation. With all the positive impacts of GBI, it seems that GBI, without considering NBS, will lack the merits of ecosystem services and therefore not only lose significant collaboration and management opportunities but also boost the chance of conflicted actions.

The aim of this research is to develop and test an innovative framework for implementing NBS in GBI in cities. A systematic literature review and case studies, including quantitative and qualitative research, will be used. Similarities and differences in structural conditions influencing GBI with the NBS approach between the selected cities will be analysed to identify the extent to which different contexts matter in terms of how structural conditions influence the application of NBS in GBI projects. The research findings will help to develop a framework for the application of NBS in GBI. Testing of the framework will be undertaken by presenting it to the professionals involved in decision-making, developing and implementing NBS in GBI in cities. Their feedback, i.e., answers to a survey and interviews, will inform further refinement of the proposed framework.
The research output will be of interest to decision-makers, stakeholders and users of urban spaces as well as to urban planners and designers. Through its application in practice, the residents of cities will enjoy an improved quality of life and well-being through better connections with nature in which ecosystems are preserved and biodiversity enhanced.