Urbani izziv Volume 26, No. supplement, November 2015
: S38–S49
(Articles)
doi: 10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2015-26-supplement-003
Author
Ines Hrdalo
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Ornamental Plants, Landscape Architecture and Historical Gardens, Croatia
ineshrdalo@yahoo.com
Dora Tomić
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Ornamental Plants, Landscape Architecture and Historical Gardens, Croatia
dtomic@agr.hr
Petra Pereković
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Ornamental Plants, Landscape Architecture and Historical Gardens, Croatia
pperekovic@agr.hr
Title
Implementation of Green Infrastructure Principles in Dubrovnik, Croatia to Minimize Climate Change Problems
Abstract
Increasing development pressure on the Croatian coastal zone has lead to environmental degradation due to a lack of appropriate strategies and policies in promoting well-planned and managed urban areas. Research has shown that six coastal cities have been facing problems connected with climate change (storm waters, floods, soil erosion and urban heath). Key elements of urban sustainability, in spatial context, are based on a balanced relationship between built and open urban spaces on one hand and connectivity between urban open spaces and between such spaces and surrounding landscapes at the regional scale (principles of urban green infrastructure). Detailed research based on comparative analysis shows that ecological problems have to do with unbalanced urban morphology in Dubrovnik (disappearance of green areas as absorptive surfaces and loss of connectivity). The findings offer a possible conceptual solution on applying the principles of green infrastructure, where the preservation and linkage of ecologically valuable green areas within urban fabric is crucial. These areas are planned as multifunctional spaces; they are important for biodiversity, urban morphology, and urban social life, as well as for mitigating the consequences of climate change.
Key Words
urban green infrastructure, sustainability, climate change, floods, Dubrovnik