Assessing the potential of green infrastructure to mitigate hydro-geological hazard

Evidence-based policy suggestions from a Sardinian study area

Abstract

This study focuses on the relations between the definition and implementation of a green infrastructure (GI) and hydro-geological hazard. GIs are spatial structures supplying a wide range of ecosystem services, here related to the following: nature, natural resources and biodiversity conservation; landscape and recreation; agricultural and forestry production; local climate regulation; climate change impact mitigation through capture and storage of carbon dioxide. A methodological framework is defined to assess the relations between GI and hydro-geological hazard through inferential analysis based on dichotomous-choice Logit models, under the assumption that the implementation of GI within planning policies could enhance environmental protection and people’s wellbeing. By applying the methodology to a coastal study area in Sardinia (Italy), this study shows that landslides are more likely to occur in areas showing high natural values and high carbon dioxide capture and storage capacity, whereas productive agro-forestry areas are comparatively more likely to feature severe floods, and areas with significant landscape assets and recreation potential are associated with low flood and landslide hazard. On these bases, a better understanding of the role that could be played by GI as regards hydro-geological hazard is gained, and policy recommendations aimed at mitigating the associated risks are identified.