Nature-based Urban Solutions
In the urban context, nature-based solutions can be applied as green infrastructure (GI), which is a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas that are designed and managed to deliver a wide range of environmental, economic, and social benefts.
GI has been promoted as an approach to respond to major urban environmental and social challenges such as reducing the ecological footprint, improving human health and well-being, adapting to climate change, and promoting social cohesion.
GI varies in the scale and scope and includes the levels of buildings, public spaces, water bodies and drainage systems, and green corridors. GI provides three main opportunities:
- GI supports economic development in urban areas, which is dependent on the amount and quality of natural resources available, including water for sanitation and manufacturing
- Urban planning that incorporates GI has a positive environmental impact, such as mitigating emissions through increased carbon storage and increased resilience to foods, droughts, and heatwaves
- GI contributes to the social dimension of urbanisation, such as green space increasing people’s perceived happiness and general health
San Francisco’s Green Infrastructure Grant
San Francisco’s Green Infrastructure Grant Program funds the design and construction of green stormwater infrastructure on large public and private properties, with the goal of reducing stormwater runoff while delivering public benefits that enhance the quality of life for all SFPUC rate payers. Project types can include permeable pavement, bioretention, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and vegetated roofs. Projects must capture stormwater runoff from at least 0.5 acres of impervious surface and can receive up to $2 million per project. The project must also provides at least two of the identified co-benefits from the programme’s list, including:
- Community benefits, including environmental justice, public space for recreation, education and water stewardship, etc.
- Environmental benefits, including climate resilience, biodiversity, water reuse
The take-out
Nature-based solutions in cities come in various shapes and sizes and can deliver multiple co-benefits.
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