1. GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE A WIN-WIN SOLUTION FOR SUSTAINABLE
ECONOMIC RECOVERY IN THE WEST MIDLANDS BILL HESLEGRAVE REGIONAL
DIRECTOR FORESTRY COMMISSION
2. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
What is Green Infrastructure (GI)?
The network of green spaces and natural elements that intersperse
and connect our cities, towns and villages. It is the open spaces,
waterways, gardens, woodlands, green corridors, wildlife habitats,
street trees, natural heritage and open countryside. From the Green
Infrastructure Prospectus for the West Midlands : Regional Assembly
2006
3. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
The benefits of GI extend beyond the environment to social and
economic and link these three pillars of society together
GI is a multi-functional resource, underpinning sustainability
and directly benefiting the economy and enhancing quality of
life
4. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
Economic success dependent on investment in the natural
environment
A press release headline on 15 th October for No Charge?
Valuing the Natural Environment a major report by Natural
England
5. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
What are the economic benefits from GI?
Enhancing quality of place increasing property and land
values
A green setting for investment and economic growth
Environmental transformation
Provides jobs through the environmental economy
Opportunities for education and training
Provision of natural resources such as wood
6. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
Leading to :-
Mitigation of and adaptation to climate change
Improvements in health and well being
Helping to build sustainable communities
Enabling essential contact between people and nature
Sustaining environmental tourism
Sources of renewable heat and energy
7. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits SANDWELL -
Sheepwash
8. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits Sandwell Valley
9. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits WALSALL
10. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits FOREST OF MERCIA -
Hednesford
11. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits STOKE - Westport
12. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits STOKE - Central Forest
Park
13. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits STOKE - Park Hall
14. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits Tree Planting in
Stoke
15. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
To achieve these benefits we must pursue key objectives :
Raise awareness of GIs economic benefits and the linkages to
social and environmental benefits
Incorporate GI consistently at the heart of the planning
system
Embed GI as an integral part of growth and development
Increase investment in GI and develop long term funding
arrangements
16. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
And seek to implement Key Actions :
Co-ordinate GI work of environmental organisations and to
further leadership
Develop a Framework Plan and associated Action Plan for GI in
the region
Key organisations involved in or linked to the economy must
embrace GI
Evidence building, research and demonstration/promotion of best
practice
17. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
Develop GI strategies for growth points and major development
areas
GI must be factored into decisions on land values, urban
structures, housing densities, etc
Improve connections and accessibility of GI with local
communities
Demonstrate the importance and value of extensive, well planned
urban tree networks
18. GI - Sustainable, Economic Benefits
Questions for this Workshop :
1. Do you agree that GI can provide economic benefits and is
relevant to economic recovery? If not, why not?
2. If you do, do you wish to add to or amend those benefits set
out in the chapter and this presentation?
3. Are the actions listed the right ones? Are they achievable?
Are there other priority actions?