How can land reclamation integrate green infrastructure and ecosystem services?

1 What is green infrastructure?

Green infrastructure is a network of natural and semi-natural features that provide multiple benefits for people and the environment. It can include parks, wetlands, forests, green roofs, gardens, or permeable pavements. Green infrastructure can enhance the quality and functionality of reclaimed land by reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, moderating temperatures, creating habitats, and promoting recreation and well-being.

2 What are ecosystem services?

Ecosystem services are the benefits that people obtain from nature, such as food, water, climate regulation, pollination, or cultural values. Ecosystem services can be classified into four categories: provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural. Ecosystem services can be affected by land reclamation, either positively or negatively, depending on the design and management of the reclaimed land. For example, land reclamation can increase the provision of food or energy, but also reduce the regulation of water quality or erosion.

4 How to design green infrastructure and ecosystem services?

To design green infrastructure and ecosystem services for land reclamation, it is essential to consider the site-specific conditions, objectives, and stakeholders. There are different principles and guidelines to follow, such as applying the ecosystem approach, maximizing multifunctionality, enhancing connectivity, ensuring adaptability, and involving the public. Some examples of green infrastructure and ecosystem services design for land reclamation are artificial islands with mangroves, wetlands, or coral reefs; coastal protection with dunes, vegetation, or breakwaters; or urban development with green spaces, blue corridors, or green roofs.

5 How to implement green infrastructure and ecosystem services?

To implement green infrastructure and ecosystem services for land reclamation, it is necessary to have a clear and coherent planning and governance framework, as well as adequate resources and capacities. Some of the key aspects to consider are the legal and institutional arrangements, the financing and incentive mechanisms, the monitoring and evaluation systems, and the stakeholder engagement and communication strategies. These aspects can facilitate or hinder the implementation of green infrastructure and ecosystem services for land reclamation projects.