scholarly journals Green Infrastructure Planning in Metropolitan Regions to Improve the Connectivity of Agricultural Landscapes and Food Security

Land ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 414 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina Yacamán Ochoa ◽  
Daniel Ferrer Jiménez ◽  
Rafael Mata Olmo
Keyword(s):  
Urban Agriculture ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Metropolitan Regions

Green infrastructure (GI), as a concept and as a tool for environmental land-use planning at various scales, has burst onto the academic, political, and policy-making scenes in the last two decades. This tool, associated with strategic planning, offers integrated solutions for improving the ecological connectivity and urban resilience of open spaces, especially those affected by processes of urban sprawl, the abandonment of agriculture, and the territorial fragmentation of habitats and traditional agricultural landscapes. In spite of the advantages of GI, its design and implementation face a range of challenges and limitations. In this context, this paper has two objectives: Firstly, to address a critical review of recent literature on the subject, which, among other things, highlights the lack of references to the role of peri-urban agriculture in GI planning, and the positive contribution made by peri-urban agriculture to the local food supply and other regulatory and cultural services. Secondly, to propose a methodology to contribute to integrating practical GI planning in metropolitan regions to maximize the activation of traditional agricultural landscapes and the improvement of landscape connectivity in metropolitan regions for the reconnection of rural-urban relationships.

scholarly journals Exploring urban agriculture as a component of multifunctional green infrastructure: Application of figure-ground plans as a spatial analysis tool

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 208-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
Attila Tóth ◽  
Axel Timpe
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Urban Agriculture ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Fruit Trees ◽  
Analysis Tool ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Metropolitan Regions

Abstract Using ‘Urban Atlas’ as a data source, the authors present and critically discuss in this paper the application of figure-ground plans in combination with complex land-use maps as a tool for spatial analysis of urban agriculture in European cities and their multifunctional green infrastructure. The selected cities and metropolitan areas (including Dublin, Ruhr Metropolis, Geneva and Sofia) represent different regions in Europe from the Northwest to the Southeast. Urban fabric, agriculture and non-agricultural open spaces have been analysed and compared as the main land-use components. Agricultural open spaces include arable land with annual crops and permanent crops, such as vineyards, fruit trees and olive groves; pastures; as well as complex and mixed cultivation patterns. The results reveal the scale and land-use diversity of metropolitan regions and different spatial patterns of urban agriculture at the regional level and in central urban areas.

scholarly journals Ecological Connectivity in Agricultural Green Infrastructure:  Suggested Criteria for Fine Scale Assessment and Planning

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 807
Author(s):  
Simone Valeri ◽  
Laura Zavattero ◽  
Giulia Capotorti
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Landscape Heterogeneity ◽  
Agricultural Landscapes ◽  
Spatial Pattern Analysis ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Unique Type

In promoting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem service capacity, landscape connectivity is considered a critical feature to counteract the negative effects of fragmentation. Under a Green Infrastructure (GI) perspective, this is especially true in rural and peri-urban areas where a high degree of connectivity may be associated with the enhancement of agriculture multifunctionality and sustainability. With respect to GI planning and connectivity assessment, the role of dispersal traits of tree species is gaining increasing attention. However, little evidence is available on how to select plant species to be primarily favored, as well as on the role of landscape heterogeneity and habitat quality in driving the dispersal success. The present work is aimed at suggesting a methodological approach for addressing these knowledge gaps, at fine scales and for peri-urban agricultural landscapes, by means of a case study in the Metropolitan City of Rome. The study area was stratified into Environmental Units, each supporting a unique type of Potential Natural Vegetation (PNV), and a multi-step procedure was designed for setting priorities aimed at enhancing connectivity. First, GI components were defined based on the selection of the target species to be supported, on a fine scale land cover mapping and on the assessment of land cover type naturalness. Second, the study area was characterized by a Morphological Spatial Pattern Analysis (MSPA) and connectivity was assessed by Number of Components (NC) and functional connectivity metrics. Third, conservation and restoration measures have been prioritized and statistically validated. Notwithstanding the recognized limits, the approach proved to be functional in the considered context and at the adopted level of detail. Therefore, it could give useful methodological hints for the requalification of transitional urban–rural areas and for the achievement of related sustainable development goals in metropolitan regions.

scholarly journals THE GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE OF A HIGHLY URBANIZED NEOTROPICAL CITY: THE ROLE OF THE URBAN VEGETATION IN PRESERVING NATIVE BIODIVERSITY

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Carlos Castro Pena ◽  
Danilo Marques Magalhães ◽  
Ana Clara Mourão Moura ◽  
Robert John Young ◽  
Marcos Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Urban Forestry ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Urban Vegetation ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Street Trees

We mapped and described the composition of the urban vegetation that comprises the green infrastructure of a highly urbanized Neotropical city, and discussed how it can be used to preserve and maintain urban biodiversity. Almost half of our study area is occupied by 12 types of arboreal and herbaceous vegetation, composed mostly of urban parks, gardens and street trees. Forty-one percent of the almost 90,000 street trees are composed of 10 species with only 4 native species. These results show that this urban landscape is highly heterogeneous and has a great potential for biodiversity conservation. However, management strategies are needed, such as better planning of the urban forestry. This study is the first step towards a better understanding of how this landscape influences local biodiversity, and can be used as a management tool to increase urban resilience and functionality.

scholarly journals Interaction of modern architectural design with the environment: Evaluation and application in urban open spaces for developing resilient cities

2021 ◽  
Vol 899 (1) ◽  
pp. 012011
Author(s):  
M Avramidou ◽  
S Manika
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Outdoor Environment ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Coating Materials ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Bioclimatic Design ◽  
Outdoor Spaces

Abstract The concept of urban resilience, either as a response to the effects of climate change or as a need to address the emerging challenges of the pandemic crisis, plays an important role in the modern forefront of urban policies. This article focuses, in the light of climate change, on the prospects of the adoption of the principles of urban resilience in the design of urban outdoor spaces, initially creating a clear framework for their definition. In order to achieve this, the article proceeds to the evaluation of successful European and Greek examples of urban open spaces in which the assurance of urban resilience is achieved through the application of bioclimatic design. Emphasis is placed on the factors of sunlight, ventilation, the role of water and greenery, and the properties of surface coating materials in urban outdoor spaces. Then the study area is analyzed, with qualitative and quantitative assessment of the factors that affect the outdoor environment.

scholarly journals The role of urban agriculture for a resilient city

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-154
Author(s):  
Hoang Tien LE ◽  
Thi Huong Ly VO ◽  
Ngoc Han CHAU
Keyword(s):  
Urban Agriculture ◽  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Green Roofs ◽  
Effective Measure ◽  
Vertical Farming ◽  
Sufficient Food ◽  
Global Population

Humans are simultaneously facing challenges as climate change, epidemics and scarcity of food and water. It is estimated that by 2021 over 690 million of people will face hunger; by 2050 the global population will increase up to 10 billion with 68% of the population living in urban areas. By providing 30% of self-sufficient food in 2030, urban agriculture will be a practical concept to face these challenges. The work studies the role of agricultural land as a critical part for a resilient city. Parameters related to food production are also explored. As study case, this work aims to investigate the current food security of the Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC), offering productive green solutions at different scales from land-use planning, urban design to green roofs. For a production of 6.7 kg/day of vegetables a day, the costs of are approximately $10,000 for nearly 5.6 square meters of land; this points out A-Go-Gro technology as an effective measure for vertical farming. For example, 0.18 ha of green space can produce 2 tons of vegetables per day in the Lake View settlement (district 2 in HCMC). Moreover, due to green roofs, stormwater volumes directed into the sewer system are decreased by 65% and the penetration of electromagnetic radiation is reduced by 99.4%. Loài người đang đồng thời đối mặt với những thách thức như biến đổi khí hậu, dịch bệnh, khan hiếm thực phẩm và nước. Ước tính đến năm 2021 có hơn 690 triệu người đói và đến năm 2050 dân số toàn cầu tăng lên gần 10 tỷ người, với 68% sống ở khu vực thành thị. Được sử dụng để tự cung tự cấp 30% lương thực vào năm 2030, nông nghiệp đô thị là một khái niệm hiệu quả cho những thách thức. Bài báo là nghiên cứu đất nông nghiệp như một phần quan trọng cho một thành phố có khả năng phục hồi. Các thông số liên quan đến sản xuất lương thực được nghiên cứu. Bài báo cũng tìm hiểu an ninh lương thực của thành phố Hồ Chí Minh hiện nay. Hơn nữa, bài báo đưa ra các giải pháp phủ xanh hiệu quả trên các quy mô khác từ quy hoạch sử dụng đất, thiết kế đô thị đến mái nhà xanh tại các hộ gia đình. Với chi phí 10.000 USD và gần 5,6 mét vuông đất trồng 6,7 kg rau mỗi ngày, công nghệ A-Go-Gro là một biện pháp hữu hiệu cho canh tác theo chiều dọc. Như vậy 0,18 ha không gian xanh có thể sản xuất 2 tấn rau mỗi ngày tại khu dân cư Lake View ở quận 2. Hơn nữa, bằng cách làm mái nhà xanh, nước mưa giảm đến 65% vào hệ thống cống và sự xâm nhập bức xạ điện từ giảm 99,4%.

scholarly journals Evaluating environmental and ecological landscape characteristics relevant to urban resilience across gradients of land-sharing-sparing and urbanity

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Dennis ◽  
Katherine L. Scaletta ◽  
Philip James
Keyword(s):  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Landscape Planning ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Urban Resilience ◽  
Land Sharing ◽  
Land Sparing ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Ecological Landscape

AbstractWithin urban landscape planning, debate continues around the relative merits of land-sparing (compaction) and land-sharing (sprawl) scenarios. Using part of Greater Manchester (UK) as a case-study, we present a landscape approach to mapping green infrastructure and variation in social-ecological-environmental conditions as a function of land sparing and sharing. We do so for the landscape as a whole as well as for areas of high and low urbanity. Results imply potential trade-offs between land-sparing-sharing scenarios relevant to characteristics critical to urban resilience such as landscape connectivity and diversity, air quality, surface temperature, and access to green space. These trade-offs may be particularly complex due to the parallel influence of patch attributes such as land-cover and size and imply that both ecological restoration and spatial planning have a role to play in reconciling tensions between land-sparing and sharing strategies.

scholarly journals The Lockean Influence on Newman’s Epistemology: An Historical Analysis Describing Newman’s Engagement with Locke’s Ideas

2019 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-91
Author(s):  
Becky Walker
Keyword(s):  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Positive Contribution ◽  
Deductive Logic ◽  
Personal Nature ◽  
Christian Message

This article discusses John Locke’s positive contribution to Newman’s epistemology throughout the latter’s career. Beginning with one of Newman’s earliest published works, his Essay on Miracles, he borrowed and further developed ideas from Locke’s A Discourse on Miracles regarding the necessity of miracles to validate the Christian message and the personal nature and cumulative method of weighing evidence. Later, in Newman’s most mature epistemological work, An Essay in Aid of a Grammar of Assent, one can discern Locke’s influence on Newman’s views on the weaknesses of deductive logic, the personal nature of knowledge, and the role of connecting ideas to arrive at knowledge.

scholarly journals Forensic Investigation of Four Monitored Green Infrastructure Inlets

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 1787
Author(s):  
Leena J. Shevade ◽  
Franco A. Montalto
Keyword(s):  
Measurement Uncertainty ◽  
Green Infrastructure ◽  
Stormwater Management ◽  
Catchment Area ◽  
Low Flow ◽  
Inflow Rate ◽  
Forensic Investigation ◽  
Flow Conditions ◽  
The Mean

Green infrastructure (GI) is viewed as a sustainable approach to stormwater management that is being rapidly implemented, outpacing the ability of researchers to compare the effectiveness of alternate design configurations. This paper investigated inflow data collected at four GI inlets. The performance of these four GI inlets, all of which were engineered with the same inlet lengths and shapes, was evaluated through field monitoring. A forensic interpretation of the observed inlet performance was conducted using conclusions regarding the role of inlet clogging and inflow rate as described in the previously published work. The mean inlet efficiency (meanPE), which represents the percentage of tributary area runoff that enters the inlet was 65% for the Nashville inlet, while at Happyland the NW inlet averaged 30%, the SW inlet 25%, and the SE inlet 10%, considering all recorded events during the monitoring periods. The analysis suggests that inlet clogging was the main reason for lower inlet efficiency at the SW and NW inlets, while for the SE inlet, performance was compromised by a reverse cross slope of the street. Spatial variability of rainfall, measurement uncertainty, uncertain tributary catchment area, and inlet depression characteristics are also correlated with inlet PE. The research suggests that placement of monitoring sensors should consider low flow conditions and a strategy to measure them. Additional research on the role of various maintenance protocols in inlet hydraulics is recommended.

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