The development of green infrastructure concept within Slovenian spatial planning practice

Abstract

Green infrastructure (GI) as a contemporary spatial planning approach is being established for the last twenty years. The concept itself evolved throughout history as a response to environmental problems. It addresses planning issues by combining methods from landscape / ecological planning and knowledge on natural and social systems. In this article, the development and application of GI concept within Slovenian spatial planning practice will be presented and discussed. Case studies on local (GI in Ljubljana and Nova Gorica), regional (GI within Ljubljana urban region), and national level (GI within national spatial development strategy), will provide an overview of approaches to GI planning on different scales and within different timeframes. A special consideration will be given to the ecological connectivity issues and the relation between green infrastructure and ecological connectivity.