Impacts of Zagreb’s Urban Development on Dynamic Changes in Stream Landscapes from Mid-Twentieth Century

Abstract

Urban streams constitute a valuable form of multi-functional blue and green infrastructure (BGI) and can support urban development to generate ecosystem, social, and economic benefits. In global cities, planning for BGI enhancement contributes to climate change adaptation, ecosystem restoration, community health and wellbeing, improved quality of life, etc. This research aims to assess the dynamics of stream landscape change in Zagreb as well as the influence of urban development on the blue and green landscape and related urban values. The analysis of landscape features and their planning is conducted at the level of the stream system of the whole city of Zagreb and at the level of two stream sequences by superimposing spatial data from cartographic sources. By developing an urban planning-social-ecological approach to evaluation, monitoring, and management, a quantitative and qualitative trend in stream landscape changes is identified and indicators for detecting areas of critical urbanization pressure are established. This research confirms the trend of negative changes in the urban BGI, evident in the present state (interruption of open streams, and the reduction, fragmentation, and disconnection of blue and green landscape), as well as in the planned neglect (plans for further stream closures and reduction in public green areas). Stream landscape potential is emphasized as one of the greatest urban assets for improving the system of BGI, and areas needed for their prioritization in urban planning measures, directed towards an increase in multiple landscape values, are determined.