Green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure can be broadly defined as a “strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features, designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services and protect biodiversity in both rural and urban settings” (European Environment Agency, 2017). In contrast to the most common ‘grey’ (man-made, constructed) infrastructure approaches, green infrastructure offers a variety of benefits such as:

  • Environmental benefits: Removal of pollutants from air and water, pollination enhancement, protection against soil erosion, rainwater retention, increased pest control, improvement of land quality, mitigation of land take and soil sealing

  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation benefits: Flood alleviation, strengthening ecosystems resilience, carbon storage and sequestration, mitigation of urban heat island effects, disaster prevention (e.g. storms, forest fires, landslides)

  • Biodiversity benefits: Improved habitats for wildlife, ecological corridors, landscape permeability

  • Plus, social and economic benefits such as: multifunctionality and cost-efficiency

Mainstreaming Green Infrastructure   

The project has a strong emphasis on climate proofing measures, exploring and strengthening in particular the role that green infrastructure could play in the adaptation of road infrastructure in the WB. Within in the European Union (EU) there are numerous examples demonstrating that investment in natural solutions to protect infrastructure has a long potential. For example: approx. 20% (780 000 ha) of Austrian forests are classified as “protection” forests by the Austrian Forest Act. They provide protection from natural disasters, such as avalanches, mudslides, rock falls and also ensure biodiversity enhancement, recreation and tourism as well. Reflecting on best practices and concrete examples from the EU, the project aims to mainstream green infrastructure adaptation in the Western Balkans.

Focusing on green infrastructure development will harness all the diverse benefits, derived from its multifunctional use, as well to act as a step ahead in the transition towards a green economy, and towards EU integration. Grey infrastructure adaptation cannot be fully excluded; but in cases where green infrastructure is a viable option it is seen as an ideal climate proofing measure.