INTEGRATING ECOSYSTEM APPROACHES: GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE & SPATIAL PLANNING EPA STRIVE Programme 2007–2013 School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin

About the Workshop  Produced by UCD as part of an EPA funded project called ‘EcoPlan’.  The EcoPlan project seeks to integrate ecosystems approaches in spatial planning via the GI concept.  This workshop forms part of the dissemination & integration methods that were developed.  Further information on the project and the project outcomes are available at: and at

Website Resource (

Annotated Bibliography ( & (Database)

Project Report ( & Issues Covered Include: Introduction to the concepts of ‘ecosystems services’, the ‘ecosystems approach’ and ‘GI’ How the GI concept can help protect and enhance ecosystems services The emergence and current state of the GI concept in Irish planning Best practice examples of the GI concept in Irish planning Using the GI concept in urban design for flood risk management Issues Covered Include: Introduction to the concepts of ‘ecosystems services’, the ‘ecosystems approach’ and ‘GI’ How the GI concept can help protect and enhance ecosystems services The emergence and current state of the GI concept in Irish planning Best practice examples of the GI concept in Irish planning Using the GI concept in urban design for flood risk management

Workshop Outline 1.Introduction to the GI concept (about 25 mins) 2.Teamwork a)Identification of GI Assets (about 40 mins) b)‘Play’ GI Quest (about 60 mins) c)Development challenge (about 30 mins) 3.Discussion (about 35 mins) Comfort Break...

The Roots of GI Thinking EcoNets SuDS & FRM Health, Recreation & Community Development Sustainable Mobility GI

Ecological Networks ‘EcoNets’ are comprised of the following : Hubs/Cores: ecologically important large natural areas (e.g. wetlands, woodlands) Corridors: networking function to link hubs (e.g. river corridors) Buffers: transition areas and layers of protection (e.g. verge setbacks onto a river corridor) Stepping Stones: o Parcels: smaller units in urban areas (e.g. allotments, pocket parks) o Individual elements: features at site scale (e.g. green roofs; rain gardens) Davies et al., 2006

Sustainable Drainage (& more!)

Sustainable Mobility

Healthy Multifunctional Environments

Local Authority Planning

Coordinating EU Obligations GI WFD Natura Network SEAFlooding Climate Change

GI Principles GI Respect Context GI Assets are Fundamental Infrastructure Spatial Connectivity Multifunctionality

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Workshop Phases 1 - Familiarisation2 – GI Assets3 & 45 GI?

Identification of GI Assets & Scenarios Development Applying GI principles through interactive problem-solving - towards an ecologically sensitive planning approach Provide input into a new LAP for ‘Ballystewart’  Wider county development plan objective of incorporating green infrastructure to address: o Enhancement of biodiversity following recent habitat loss and fragmentation o Adaptation to increased flooding events o Creation or re-design of green space for multifunctional synergies Working in small groups

GI Assets & Scenarios Development Context & Instructions Team work LAP ideas GI Approach Sketch & note ≈ 40 minutes

GI Principles GI Respect Context GI Assets are Fundamental Infrastructure Spatial Connectivity Multifunctionality

Workshop Phases 1 - Familiarisation2 – GI Assets 3 & 4 - Interactive Problem Solving & Challenge 5 GI?

Interactive Problem Solving Roll the dice Move anticlockwise (from ‘start’) Pick a corresponding game card to the colour of the box you land on Formulate a response to the issues raised by reviewing your asset identification and scenario ideas Sketch response ideas Note discussion issues (next slide) Spend 5-8 mins per card Do at least 1 of each card colour This phase ≈ 60 minutes Let the facilitator know when you reach the red GI circle GI

Discussion Issues for Each Card 1 Who do I need to collaborate with to make this work? 2 How do we manage the project design? Do we establish a project group (who should be on it)? Do we use consultants or in-house expertise (or a mix)? Where can we source funding? What about public engagement? 3 How do we manage the project delivery? Who takes charge of delivery phase? Who takes charge of maintenance? What are the long term costs and where can funding be sourced? 4 Do current administrative arrangements in our organisation facilitate the delivery of this kind of project? If yes, how can these be enhanced? If no, how can this be addressed?

Workshop Phases 1 - Familiarisation2 – GI Assets 3 & 4 - Interactive Problem Solving & Challenge 5 - Discussion GI?

Discussion Issues A What level of collaborative working is required to facilitate a GI approach? Is this level of collaboration evident in this local authority? What can be done to enhance and coordinate collaborative working arrangements both within and across departments? B Is spatial connectivity -ecological, hydrological, recreational – adequately advanced in the planning activity of this local authority? If not, why? How can this be improved? Is spatial multifunctionality adequately advanced in the planning activity of this local authority? If not, why? How can this be improved? Are GI assets considered ‘fundamental infrastructure’ in the planning activity of this local authority? If not, why? How can this be improved? C What types of ‘tools’ and skills are needed to work with the GI concept? Do these exist in this local authority? Where can they be sourced? Are there skills and knowledge available in this local authority that are not being fully used for GI planning? How could such skills and knowledge be better used?

Thank You