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A Decision Support Tool for Green Infrastructure Planning in the Face of Rapid Urbanization

Author

Listed:
  • Peta Brom

    (Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Kristine Engemann

    (Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark)

  • Christina Breed

    (Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Maya Pasgaard

    (Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark)

  • Titilope Onaolapo

    (Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Jens-Christian Svenning

    (Center for Ecological Dynamics in a Novel Biosphere (ECONOVO) & Center for Biodiversity Dynamics in a Changing World (BIOCHANGE), Department of Biology, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark)

Abstract

Multifunctional green infrastructure, a key component of compact sustainable cities, is challenged by the pressures associated with rapid urbanization. In this paper, we present a method that uses remote sensing, GIS modeling and stakeholder engagement to produce a decision support tool that communicates the availability and need for green infrastructure benefits. The case study presented is the City of Tshwane, South Africa, a Global South city facing rapid urbanization. We found that this method of mapping green infrastructure benefits can provide simultaneous oversight on multiple objectives for green infrastructure, including climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and equitable distribution of urban green space. We found that low-scoring benefit areas occur in dense urban areas where small-scale nature-based solutions or rehabilitation activities are required. Moderate benefit scores occurred in parts of the city that are vulnerable to urban expansion and densification activities, warranting the careful planning of green infrastructure provision, and that moderate-to-high-scoring areas can be protected as conservation areas. The results are discussed in terms of the role of decision support tools for urban planning practice. Composite indexes can provide important guidance to decision-makers involved in spatial planning and urban upgrading and expansion activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Peta Brom & Kristine Engemann & Christina Breed & Maya Pasgaard & Titilope Onaolapo & Jens-Christian Svenning, 2023. "A Decision Support Tool for Green Infrastructure Planning in the Face of Rapid Urbanization," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(2), pages 1-19, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:12:y:2023:i:2:p:415-:d:1057718
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Yonatal Tefera & Veronica Soebarto & Courtney Bishop & John Kandulu & Carmel Williams, 2023. "A Scoping Review of Urban Planning Decision Support Tools and Processes That Account for the Health, Environment, and Economic Benefits of Trees and Greenspace," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-28, December.
    5. Kossivi Fabrice Dossa & Yann Emmanuel Miassi, 2024. "Urban Planning and Green Infrastructure Under a Changing Climate in Africa," International Journal of Regional Development, Macrothink Institute, vol. 11(1), pages 1-1, December.
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    7. Castaldo, Anna Giulia & Nocentini, Margherita Gori & Lemes de Oliveira, Fabiano & Mahmoud, Israa H., 2025. "Nature-based solutions and urban planning in the Global South: Challenge orientations, typologies, and viability for cities," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    8. Yuyang Mao & Yu Li & Xinlu Bai & Xiaolu Yang & Youting Han & Xin Fu, 2024. "Scenario-Based Green Infrastructure Installations for Building Urban Stormwater Resilience—A Case Study of Fengxi New City, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-22, May.
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