2
EXPERT BASIS For a broader and harmonised understanding of the GI concept, some clarifications and definitions of the main terms need to be provided, such as, for example, what GI is, what its main spatial elements are, as well as its functions. The implementation of the GI, which includes recognition and planning, is a process in which the analyses from spatial data may be helpful. This is why this chapter deals with the technical and methodological starting points for the preparation and analysis of the spatial data for recognising the GI, as well as the proposal of the process for planning the GI. The handbook’s appendix provides expert clarification of the specific recognition method, and the process for planning the GI in an environment. The GI implementation must, of course, be in line with the legal order and procedure, especially in the areas of strategic and spatial planning. The various administrative and spatial levels of legal arrangements must also be considered, from the local level all the way to the level of the European community and beyond. This is why this chapter is concluded with the provision of the legal starting points. Because these are broad, the legal bases and recommendations for supporting the implementation of the GI are presented in detail in the handbook’s appendix.
2.1
Definitions of the main terms In this chapter, we list the definitions of the main terms: GI, ecosystem services (hereinafter: ES), spatial recognition and planning levels for GI and the green and blue corridors.
2.1.1
The definition of green infrastructure
Because there are many planners and beneficiaries of the GI, and because their viewpoints regarding the theoretical and practical aspects of the GI may vary, the GI may be identified in many ways. Since the GI concept and its broad understanding are still being developed, we tend to avoid using the term “definition”, which the user could understand as a final, widely accepted understanding. Even the European Commission used the term “working definition” when it explained the GI. This working definition of the European Commission, which is provided below, is most often used in the Slovenian and international space.
The identification or working definition of the European Commission (2013). The message of the Committee from 2013 states: Many definitions of GI have been developed. It is therefore difficult to cover all aspects in one short paragraph. The following working definition will however be used for the purposes of this Communication: “Green Infrastructure is a strategically planned network of natural and semi-natural areas with other environmental features designed and managed to deliver a wide range of ecosystem services. It incorporates green spaces (or blue if aquatic ecosystems are concerned) and other physical features in terrestrial (including coastal) and marine areas. On land, GI is present in rural and urban settings.” The report from the Commission to the European Parliament, the European Council, the European Social and Economic Committee and the Committee of the Regions: Review of progress on implementation of the EU green infrastructure strategy [14.] states: “Unlike single-purpose grey infrastructure, 14
