Planning for urban green infrastructure: addressing tradeoffs and synergies

Urban green infrastructure (UGI), designed and implemented to improve sustainability and reduce vulnerability to natural hazards, are increasingly advocated as win-win solutions. These have indeed proven to be desirable to complement grey infrastructure in urban areas. However, it is becoming apparent that the implementation of UGI also involves unique obstacles and unintended outcomes. In this process, tradeoffs and conflicts can originate because of competing planning goals and socio-economic objectives, as well as because of conflicting cultural values held by different stakeholders. Conversely, synergistic solutions can be sought, leading to a successful implementation of UGI. Based on a review of the recent literature, this paper identifies and categories the main types of tradeoffs and synergies that can originate from the design and implementation of UGI. Then it lists and analyses approaches that can help reduce those tradeoffs and maximize synergies.