Green Infrastructure and the Water-sensitive City

The presentation will describe an ecosystem and water-sensitive approach to creating and managing green infrastructure. The ecosystem approach derives from the 1992 UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The ecosystem approach and the concept of ecosystem services was further elaborated by the UN Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). Research now shows how green infrastructure provides ecosystem services, including flood mitigation, clean water and clean air and how bringing more soil, water and into cities brings more of hose benefits. Some of the benefits of green infrastructure including reducing the urban heat island are described. The philosophy of the water-sensitive city is explained, along with descriptions of some projects, including rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, green roofs and living walls.