26 Aug 2010

Green infrastructure central to planning process - Comhar SDC

Latest Horticulture & Fresh Produce News for Ireland

Development of green infrastructure should be a core part of Ireland’s planning policy, including local development plans and the national spatial strategy. That is according to Comhar Sustainable Development Council, which launched its latest research report today.

We need to move to a system where the protection and enhancement of our green infrastructure is integrated into the planning process, according to Comhar SDC who today launched Creating Green Infrastructure for Ireland. This would require mapping of natural ecosystems to provide evidence of the value of biodiversity and ecosystems to the economy and society, it said.  

"Development has been a major driver of habitat degradation and biodiversity loss in Ireland," said the report's editor, Dr. Cathy Maguire, Director of Research at Comhar SDC. "Biodiversity continues to decline because its value is not reflected in decision-making by business and government.  While tools such as 'Strategic Environment Assessment' and 'Environmental Impact Assessment' have become part of our development process, they are essentially reactive measures. 

“The introduction of a green infrastructure approach to planning policy would help to protect, create and manage green infrastructure in an integrated and proactive way.  It would also enhance Ireland's biodiversity and improve resilience to climate change."

Comhar SDC describes 'green infrastructure' as "a network of green spaces that help conserve natural ecosystems and provide benefits to human populations through water purification, flood control, carbon capture, food production and recreation.  Such spaces include woodlands, coastlines, flood plains, hedgerows, city parks and street trees."

Comhar cites the National Parks and Wildlife Services estimates that natural ecosystems contribute at least €2.6 billion to Ireland's economy each year, across a range of sectors, including agriculture, health and aquaculture.


Creating a better work-life environment

 Also speaking at today's launch, Professor Frank Convery, chairperson of Comhar SDC (pictured), said: "Green infrastructure that is operating at its peak and is well connected can makes cities, towns and rural areas better places in which to work.  High-quality green infrastructure translates into higher property values and rents, and is also attractive to the high-value industries, entrepreneurs and workers now needed to underpin the knowledge economy.

 "The health benefits of a green infrastructure are also numerous.  Well-planned green spaces can act as important places to exercise, particularly in an urban centre.  They also provide play areas for children and act as a recreational space for members of the local community.  This offers positive benefits in terms of a community's physical and mental health."


Professor Convery said that the upcoming revision of the National Biodiversity Plan, as well as the National Adaptation Plan, offers an important opportunity to put green infrastructure on the agenda of all the agents involved in planning and infrastructure delivery.  "Apart from national and local buy-in from our elected representatives, we need all of the key sectors - from agriculture to tourism and planners - to work together to realise the economic and social benefits of protecting our biodiversity," he added.

 

Recommendations to Government


The report contains a range of recommendations to government on how green infrastructure can be developed in Ireland.  These include the development of national guidance and objectives; the inclusion of green infrastructure in policy and legislation; green infrastructure maps, and measures to improve data availability and harmonisation. 

 "Comhar SDC has recommended a range of actions, including the development of national guidelines which set out how green infrastructure can be incorporated into the planning process," said Maguire. "We are urging policy makers to grasp the opportunities that green infrastructure approaches can offer in bringing benefits to the environment, economy and society.  Integrating green infrastructure into our planning process would result in health and economic benefits, as well as protecting our biodiversity.  It would offer a positive dimension to our planning process and minimise conflicts between environmental and economic goals."

 "Green infrastructure mapping underpins the whole approach and, while there are data gaps and needs, a lot of useful information already exists at national and local levels," she continued. "This should be made available in a coordinated and accessible way for use in green infrastructure mapping."
  
Comhar Sustainable Development Council was established in 1999 as the forum for national consultation and dialogue on all issues relating to sustainable development. 

 

If you have a story or event to promote please email: news@HortiTrends.com 

Latest Company News, Trends, Courses, Products Services, Suppliers & Jobs in Horticulture & Fresh Produce, Nurseries, Fruit & Vegetable Growers, Landscape, Architecture, Garden Centre, Florists, Sports Turf, Green Keeping & Forestry Sectors.

'