Student research results - advice from Spanish to Dutch cities for blue green infrastructure

I have guided several students who graduated on topics related to green infrastructure this year, and another graduate is Alejandra García García, from the VU Amsterdam. I co-supervised this with Nicolien van der Grijp. Alejandra's thesis is titled "Enhancing Equitable Access to Blue-Green Infrastructure in Urban Environments, Insights from Spanish initiatives for fostering fairness in Dutch cities". This thesis gives concrete recommendations from Spanish to Dutch cities on how to overcome the recurrent challenges in implementing blue-green infrastructure. Below you can see an example of the distribution of urban green areas and population density in Valencia. While we do have such maps in the Netherlands, we could still achieve more by communicating these results and joint planning approaches through new technologies.

Abstract:

"Urban areas worldwide face escalating environmental challenges, notably climate change and biodiversity loss. Blue-green infrastructure (BGI) has emerged as a key strategy to enhance urban resilience, conserve biodiversity, and promote social equity. This study examines governance models, policy measures, and socio-economic dynamics affecting BGI accessibility, focusing on equitable distribution among urban populations. By reviewing literature and analysing urban contexts in Valencia, Barcelona, and Madrid, the research assesses the effectiveness of governance structures and policy interventions in ensuring fair access to BGI. The findings indicate that while progress in integrating BGI is notable, significant challenges persist in achieving equitable access across socio-economic groups. Key issues include disparities in green space distribution, socio-economic barriers, and the need for more inclusive decision-making processes. The study highlights the critical role of community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative technologies in addressing these challenges. Based on insights from the Spanish cities, the study offers recommendations for improving BGI dissemination in urban areas in The Netherlands. These recommendations stress the importance of policy frameworks that prioritize inclusivity, active community involvement, and the integration of BGI into comprehensive urban development strategies. Such measures aim to advance environmental justice and foster sustainable urban development."