Derry City and Strabane District CouncilClimate Change Adaptation Plan 2020-2025

Themes & Priorities
2.4 Green Infrastructure
Prioritise Green Infrastructure for climate adaptation within
Council property
Green Infrastructure (GI) is an interconnected network of
multi-functional green and blue spaces, which provide
multiple environmental, economic and social benefits, linked
throughout urban and rural landscapes. (DCSDC, 2019a)
Green Infrastructure is more flexible and resilient to climate
change than its gray counterpart. (Browder et al, 2019)
Council recognises the critical role of GI in the environmental,
economic and social success of the region and has developed
the Green Infrastructure Plan 2019 - 2032 as a framework to
value and maximise the benefits for all. A key strategic theme
of the GI plan is climate change and the opportunities across
Council property to deliver adaptation. Council GI assets
include allotments, amenity space, greenways, parks and
gardens, play parks, cemeteries, and woodland as well as our
species and habitats.
Climate Change will be a driver for more widespread changes
and impacts on the City and District’s GI, it is therefore critical
that we seek to protect and enhance GI against climate change
risks through site management plans and practices.
It is widely accepted that nature based solutions delivered
through green infrastructure offers ‘no regret’ responses to
climate change delivering multiple benefits to society and
the environment. For example, trees and vegetation can contribute to
improved air quality, reduce the risk of flooding, and provide a sustainable
source of fuel and habitats for wildlife as well as health and wellbeing
benefits.
See Appendix 9 Green Infrastructure Adaptation Benefits.
We will seek to ensure the protection and enhancement of our green
infrastructure against climate change impacts while maximising the
benefits and opportunities GI provides to adaption to climate change.
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DCSDC Climate Change Adaptation Plan