Question

In the context of eco-cities, what does the term "Blue-Green Infrastructure" refer to?

• A. Sustainable transportation systems
• B. Integrated water management and green spaces
• C. Energy-efficient building materials
• D. Eco-friendly waste management practices

Hint:

\textbf{Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI):} A network of natural and engineered ecological systems that combine water management (blue features) with green spaces and vegetation (green features).
\textbf{Blue features:} Rivers, ponds, wetlands, SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems) like rain gardens, swales.
\textbf{Green features:} Parks, green roofs, green walls, urban forests, vegetated corridors.
BGI provides multiple ecosystem services, enhancing urban resilience and livability.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

"Eco-cities" (or sustainable cities) aim to minimize environmental impact and enhance the well-being of their inhabitants through integrated urban planning and design that incorporates ecological principles. Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) is a key concept in creating resilient and sustainable urban environments. It refers to a network of natural and semi-natural areas and features that provide a range of ecosystem services.
"Green" infrastructure typically refers to vegetated elements like parks, green roofs, green walls, urban forests, gardens, and natural corridors.
"Blue" infrastructure refers to water elements like rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, wetlands, sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) like swales and rain gardens, and water-sensitive urban design features. Blue-Green Infrastructure emphasizes the integration of these water management systems (\textit{blue}) with vegetated areas and green spaces (\textit{green}) to deliver multiple benefits, such as:
Stormwater management (reducing flood risk, improving water quality).
Enhancing biodiversity and ecological connectivity.
Improving air quality.
Mitigating urban heat island effect.
Providing recreational opportunities and improving public health and well-being.
Enhancing aesthetic quality of urban areas. Let's evaluate the options:
(a) Sustainable transportation systems: This involves promoting public transport, NMT, EVs. While important for eco-cities, BGI specifically refers to water and green elements.
(b) Integrated water management and green spaces: This perfectly captures the essence of Blue-Green Infrastructure – the synergistic combination of water systems (blue) and vegetated areas (green).
(c) Energy-efficient building materials: Important for green buildings, but not what BGI refers to.
(d) Eco-friendly waste management practices: Important for sustainability, but distinct from BGI. Therefore, "Blue-Green Infrastructure" refers to integrated water management and green spaces. \[ \boxed{\text{Integrated water management and green spaces}} \]