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Green Infrastructure and Green Communities
Linking Landscapes and Communities

Ten Principles of
Green Infrastructure
  1. Connectivity is the key.
  2. Context Matters.
  3. Green infrastructure should be grounded in sound science and land-use planning theory and practice
  4. Green infrastructure can and should function as the framework for conservation and development.
  5. Green infrastructure should be planned and protective before development.
  6. Green infrastructure is a critical public investment that should be funded up front.
  7. Green infrastructure affords benefits to nature and people.
  8. Green infrastructure respects the needs and desires of landowners and other stakeholders.
  9. Green infrastructure requires making connections to activities within and beyond the community.
  10. Green infrastructure requires long-term commitment.

(from Benedict, M.A. and E.T. McMahon, 2006 Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities. Island Press, Washington, D.C., pp37.)

Green infrastructure can be defined in many ways. In its broadest application, green infrastructure encompasses an "interconnected network of natural areas and other open spaces that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions, sustains clean air and water, and provides a wide array of benefits to people and wildlife".

Green infrastructure is a strategic conservation tool that can be integrated into a comprehensive, Green Communities planning process. In fact, Green Infrastructure planning is compatible with a 5-step planning approach as described below. Key to the success of a Green Infrastructure Strategy is broad stakeholder involvement. As with any sustainable planning effort, getting knowledgeable and interested parties involved at the beginning will ensure a successful process.

Following the basic Green Communities framework, follow the links below for specific guidance on Green Infrastructure Planning and Action.

Where Are We Now? Green Infrastructure Assessment and Inventory
Where Are We Going? Green Infrastructure Trends and Probable Scenarios
Where Do We Want To be? Green Infrastructure Visioning
How Do We Get There? Green Infrastructure Action Plan
Let's Go! Implementing/Monitoring the Green Infrastructure Strategy

 

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