1. Runoff and evapotranspiration–precipitation ratios as indicators of water regulation ecosystem services in urban forestsUrša Vilhar, 2025, original scientific article Abstract: As a form of green infrastructure, urban forests play a key role in the provision of hydrological ecosystem services (ESs) in cities. Understanding how urban forest structure and soil properties influence water regulation ESs is crucial for managing and planning green infrastructure in cities. We analysed two indicators—the runoff to precipitation (Q/P) and the evapotranspiration to precipitation (ETP/P) ratios—for five different urban forests. We used the hydrological model Brook90 over 16 years to simulate runoff, evapotranspiration, canopy interception, transpiration and soil evaporation. The results showed that mixed forests have the highest water retention capacity, with the lowest Q/P (0.41) and the highest ETP/P (0.59). In contrast, riparian deciduous forests had the lowest water retention capacity, with the highest Q/P (0.75) and the lowest ETP/P (0.25). Both indicators showed similar annual and seasonal results. However, Q/P showed strong inter-annual variation and a strong correlation with precipitation, while ETP/P remained consistent despite precipitation fluctuations in the observed years. In conclusion, the ETP/P ratio is better suited to assess the water regulation ES of urban forests.
Keywords: stand structure, tree species composition, soil properties, hydrological model Brook90, urban ecosystems, precipitation, transpiration, urban green space, urban green infrastructure
Published in DiRROS: 14.04.2025; Views: 193; Downloads: 73
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2. From intention to implementation of vertical green : the case of LjubljanaDamjana Gantar, Jana Kozamernik, Ina Šuklje Erjavec, Simon Koblar, 2022, original scientific article Abstract: This article examines the need and opportunities to implement vertical green in Ljubljana as a case of a medium-sized European city with a relatively green feel. Sustainability-oriented urban development supports the introduction of nature-based solutions in principle; however, there is a lack of vertical green as well as actual legislative and administrative support. Therefore, several methods were applied in the present study to link this idea to execution, starting with semistructured interviews and a workshop for selected city officials. Legislative and formal backgrounds for implementation were then assessed. An inventory of green façades and other structures (e.g., noise barriers and retaining walls) in Ljubljana was prepared, and a geographic information system-based decision support system was developed to identify the potential areas in the city where additional green space elements would be most favourable for humans, the environment, and climate indicators. The results reveal a gap between opportunities and the actual situation. The general opinion that there is never too much green space in urban areas is confirmed by direct information from the city administration and strategic documents. There are many potential sites for implementation; however, this is hindered by ownership, management, and economic issues. The study concludes with some suggestions for following the best practices in other central European capitals, such as Vienna and Berlin.
Keywords: vertical green, urban planning, sustainable city, green infrastructure
Published in DiRROS: 27.01.2025; Views: 267; Downloads: 137
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3. The state of the art of local GI implementation in the Alps : deliverable 1.3.1Danilo Bevk, Thomas Böhm, Mita Drius, Danijel Kablar, Blaž Koderman, Katharina Lautze, Mojca Pintar, Luana Silveri, 2024, final research report Abstract: In the last century, human population growth and industrial development have been leading to the depletion of natural resources, to ecosystem degradation and to a worrying change in the global climatic conditions. One of the most striking forms of degradation is the fragmentation of ecosystems and habitats because of land use change, which poses a serious threat to biodiversity. A fragmented ecosystem cannot provide the human population with the fundamental ecosystem services (so-called ES hereafter), such as pollination, food, air quality, carbon sequestration, flood management, water treatment, local climate regulation, soil erosion prevention and so on. As the negative impacts of fragmentation have become apparent, the importance of maintaining ecological connectivity within ecosystems and landscapes at different levels of naturalness, including between protected areas and at the rural-urban interface, has been increasingly recognised.
Keywords: green infrastructure, Alps, Interreg, ecosystem services
Published in DiRROS: 02.09.2024; Views: 532; Downloads: 1559
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4. Transnational strategy on the sustainable management and responsible use of non-native trees in the Alpine SpaceKatharina Lapin, Anja M. Bindewald, Giuseppe Brundu, Aleksander Marinšek, Debojyoti Chakraborty, Janine Oettel, Janine Oettel, Konrad Heino, Nicola La Porta, Ajša Alagić, 2023, review article Abstract: Non-native tree species – defined as those species intentionally or unintentionally introduced by humans – have long been a part of the Alpine Space, providing numerous benefits, but also posing a potential threat to native biodiversity and related ecosystem services. Compared to the urban space where non-native trees comprise most tree species, the number of non-native trees in forests and plantations is relatively low. To evaluate potential risks and benefits of non-native trees in the Alpine Space, a transnational strategy for the responsible use and management of non-native trees is needed. The goals of the strategy are to tailor management practices for a sustainable and responsible use or admixture of non-native trees, to reduce the risks connected with the invasive potential of some non-native tree species, to help forests and urban areas to adapt to climate change, and to improve coordination and cooperation regarding best practices between different regions of the Alpine Space. A proposal was developed in a four-step process including expert-based assessment, stakeholder mapping, an extensive data review, and a public consultation. For implementing the strategy fully, strong collaboration among diverse stakeholders is anticipated and robust governance and an adequate long-term and fair funding scheme is needed.
Keywords: adaptive forest management, non-native tree species, Alpine Space, biosecurity, green infrastructure
Published in DiRROS: 19.01.2024; Views: 810; Downloads: 509
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