Abstract:
Blue and green infrastructure are two different types of environmental infrastructure that serve different purposes. Green infrastructure refers to the network of natural or semi-natural areas, such as parks, forests, wetlands, and green roofs, that provide a range of ecological, social, and economic benefits. Green infrastructure helps to improve air and water quality, mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce flood risk, provide habitat for wildlife, and enhance the aesthetic and recreational value of urban areas. Blue infrastructure, on the other hand, refers to the network of water-related infrastructure, such as rivers, lakes, canals, reservoirs, and wetlands, that provide a range of benefits related to water management and use. Blue infrastructure helps to regulate the water cycle, provide drinking water, support fisheries, and other aquatic life, provide recreation opportunities, and support transportation and trade. While green infrastructure and blue infrastructure serve different purposes, they are often complementary and can be used together to achieve multiple benefits. For example, wetlands can serve as both green and blue infrastructure, providing wildlife habitat while also helping floodwaters and improving water quality.
