Aim
Experiment with green infrastructure that is integrated into a real context and demonstrate how it works in the search for solutions to problems on site, integrating the needs and priorities of the actors involved/affected.
Description
Experimental green infrastructure is designed and implemented to generate technical and social knowledge about the implementation of the infrastructures to be promoted. It seeks to disseminate the knowledge generated from the implementation of green infrastructure, including social acceptance, opportunities, challenges, limitations and barriers encountered. It also aims to provide baseline knowledge for the development of policy instruments for the promotion of green infrastructure with municipalities, urban planners and decision makers. The potential for replication in other sites is sought.
Steps
Previous steps
1. Select an ideal site for the implementation of green infrastructure prototypes in a real-life context that will help achieve the project objectives, considering the context and priority issues, involving local stakeholders (See Guide: Selecting an experimental area for the implementation and promotion of green infrastructure)
2. Design and propose green infrastructure prototypes that are integrated into a real-life context and contribute to the search for solutions to on-site problems, integrating the needs and priorities of stakeholders (See Guidance: Designing green infrastructure prototypes in developed urban areas)
1. Obtain building permits based on previously developed designs from the municipality or respective authority prior to construction.
2. Competition for the selection of a construction company or individual consultant to carry out the construction.
SEE-URBAN-WATER relied on local contacts to invite construction companies or individual consultants to submit bids.
3. Officially notify the Municipality of the start of construction work.
SEE-URBAN-WATER organised an official meeting with deputy mayor and technical staff of the Municipality of Flores.
4. Constant and detailed supervision of the progress of the works, the materials to be used and the final operation of the examples under construction.
SEE-URBAN-WATER guided the builder during construction and several meetings were held to clarify the functionalities of the prototypes and their experimental character.
5. Look out for damages/complaints/complaints that may be generated to the neighbours closest to the construction site and maintain close communication with them.
Visión Urbana del Agua maintained close communication with the municipality to address complaints or disagreements from neighbours during the construction and operation of prototypes. A close relationship was also established with the inhabitants closest to the construction site. During construction, complaints focused on the generation of dust from excavation and earth movement. During operation, complaints focused on the malfunctioning of the solids screen which resulted in spot flooding in the screen area.
6. Perform functional tests of constructed examples and make corrections as necessary for their desired operation.
SEE-URBAN-WATER identified problems with solid waste travelling in the storm sewers and creating clogging problems in the inlet pipes of prototypes. This is intended to be corrected with the installation of solids grates.
Results
- Construction of examples of green infrastructure adapted to the real context of an experimental area.
- Generation of practical evidence to promote green infrastructure among urban planners, municipal policy actors and decision-makers.
Rules
- Prompt and timely reporting of construction progress to the Municipality and immediate neighbours.
- Maintaining communication and citizen and community participation is essential to guarantee the sustainability of the examples to be implemented.
- Encourage and ensure constant proximity with residents throughout the project, this is necessary to avoid problems, rumours and negative perceptions.
- Guarantee from the beginning of the project the long-term monitoring and maintenance of the prototypes by local actors; neighbours or the municipality.
- Always take community “norms” into consideration. For example, the prioritisation of security and the imaginary fear of areas with trees.
Scopes and challenges
- Lack of knowledge of the builder of the concepts to be implemented, in general lack of green infrastructure knowledge among the different actors at all levels. This limits the correct decision making on construction details that have an impact on the operation of the infrastructure.
- Lack of interest in the follow-up of the prototypes by local staff.
- The problems considered by the prototypes are not perceived by all stakeholders with the same priority and concern on site. For example, neighbours are used to grey water in the street, but street flooding is a concern.
- Limitations related to the level of acceptance by residents, due to existing customs, habits and communal “norms”.
References and Additional Information
Examples of Implementation of Nature-based Solutions in urban areas, see Biodiver_City San José Project’s Biodiver_City San José Biodiver_City Catalogue
Biodiver_City San José Project’s Guide to Nature-Based Solutions