EXPLORING THE POTENTIALS OF SMALL URBAN STREAMS IN CREATING BLUE-GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE CITY OF NIŠ, SERBIA

Abstract

“Blue-Green Infrastructure” (BGI) is a simple and cost-effective natural resource that enhances the
appeal, resilience and sustainability of urban areas. Small urban streams are an important BGI
component that is often underused, especially regarding stormwater management. The aim of this
research is to explore small urban streams and their integration into BGI in the urban area of Niš,
and to point out the benefits that their restoration would bring in functional, social and environmental
terms. Results of this study show that Niš urban area has significant “Blue” natural capital in small
streams, and that standing planning documents support the creation of BGI to some extent. These
are good grounds for the implementation of BGI in urban planning practice.