Review of Blue-Green Infrastructure in Some Selected Countries

Abstract

Blue-Green Infrastructures (BGI) integrate solutions implemented to enhance water management and landscape values for more climate-resilient and livable cities. It has created an opportunity to renew the natural structure of water balance in cities and rural through the increase in rainwater retention and enlargement of permeable areas. The objective of this review is to assess the blue-green infrastructures of selected countries (Ethiopia, Japan, and the USA). BGI is a driver for biodiversity and provides groundwater storage, stability for water systems, improvement in water quality, water purification, and water-related network service. It also has several benefits for enhancing inland connections and protecting marine ecological systems on a global scale. They minimize the effects of climate change, enhance water management techniques, provide important design tools for sustainable regions, increase the resilience and flexibility of infrastructure and provide an area for social and recreational activities. Currently, the selected countries have been given due attention to BGI using different methods. To ensure the efficient use of subsurface water, Japan and the USA are increasing the groundwater from the current level of thorough protection and expanding the availability of green space, green roofs, permeable paving, and other structural measures. Moreover, Ethiopia has been restored on a massive scale planting trees and wise use of forests. Japan's eco-building in Fukuoka and Nagoya Strategy for Biodiversity, the USA in Seattle cities are working on water management and urban development plans, Ethiopian’s East Haarge and Tigray are some the well-known BGI. In all countries, the implementation and transformation of BGI have occurred under systematic conditions. The best practices of BGI in Ethiopia, Japan, and the USA will benefit the people of the world if it is implemented in a good manner.