A proposed green planning development framework : integration of spatial planning and green infrastructure planning approaches

Abstract

Throughout human history, civilizations have impaired their own chances of survival by damaging their own environment as they did not follow sustainable practises (Diamond, 2005). For over 40 years humankind’s demand on nature has exceeded what the earth can replenish (World Wildlife Fund et al., 2014:10). Recent research suggests that humanity uses 40% more resources every year than what is placed back by nature, as trees are cut faster than they mature, more fish are harvested than what oceans replenish and more carbon is emitted into the atmosphere faster than forests and oceans can absorb (Lorek and Fuchs, 2011:2). The earth’s finite resources, along with the provision of ecosystem services that are linked to the well-being of humanity and human settlements (Cilliers et al., 2013: 1; TEEB, 2011:1) are now considered an integral part of spatial planning approaches. The challenge, however, lies in successfully integrating and aligning green infrastructure planning as part of mainstream spatial planning approaches. This research presented a point of departure for such integration by creating and proposing a Green Planning Development Framework to guide the integration of spatial planning and green infrastructure planning. Such framework was based on (1) a literature study encompassing research on sustainability and sustainable development; green infrastructure planning; relevant international and national policies and legislation, and current frameworks and performance indices; (2) an empirical investigation and comparative analysis of international and local case studies based on identified best-practice approaches, along with (3) a local case study illustrating the proposed Green Planning Development Framework’s application and added value. Based on the theoretical grounding, empirical investigations and application of the proposed framework, specific conclusions and recommendations were made to guide future Green Planning Development from a spatial perspective