GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN PERI-URBAN LANDSCAPES - CASE STUDY FROM POLISH METROPOLITAN AREAS

Abstract

The research literature emphasizes that the dynamic development of peri-urban areas more and more often results in changes in green infrastructure potential, manifested in gradual limitation of open space, decrease in its biodiversity and loss of natural and cultural values. The aim of the study is to identify and evaluate the changes in the structure of the green infrastructure of selected urban and peri-urban areas in Poland. To accomplish this aim, the authors stated a hypothesis that changes in green infrastructure potential depend on the location of municipalities in relation to dynamically growing cities. The research conducted partially confirmed the research hypothesis stated in the study. In core cities and municipalities located up to 25 km from cities, the decrease in agricultural areas is faster at a statistically significant level, and in cities the value of the indicator illustrating the ratio of urban green spaces to developed areas decreases. The potential of the other green infrastructure elements shows growth tendencies and is not related to location.

Keywords

• green infrastructure
• metropolitan area
• peri-urban landscapes
• farms
• farmland
• forest land