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Table 1 Potential ecosystem services and benefits of GI

From: Mapping green infrastructure and socioeconomic indicators as a public management tool: the case of the municipalities of Andalusia (Spain)

Habitat services

Regulating services

 1. Biodiversity/species protection:

 1. Climate change adaptation:

   a) Habitats for species

   a) Mitigating urban heat island effect

   b) Permeability for migrating species

   b) Strengthening ecosystems' resilience to climate change

  c) Connecting habitats

  c) Storing floodwater and ameliorating surface water run-off to reduce the risk of flooding

Cultural services

2. Climate change mitigation:

 1. Recreation, well being, and health:

   a) Carbon sequestration

   a) Recreation

   b) Encouraging sustainable travel

   b) Sense of space and nature

   c) Reducing energy use for heating and cooling buildings

   c) Cleaner air

   d) Providing space for renewable energy

   d) Tourism/Ecotourism

Provisioning services

2. Land values:

1. Water management:

   a) Positive impact on land and property

   a) Sustainable drainage systems, attenuating surface water run-off

3. Culture and communities:

   b) Fostering groundwater infiltration

   a) Local distinctiveness

   c) Removal of pollutants from water

   b) Opportunities for education, training and social interactions

2. Food production and security:

   c) Tourism opportunities

   a) Direct food and fiber production on agricultural land, gardens, and allotments

 

   b) Keeping potential for agricultural land

 

   c) Soil development and nutrient cycling

 

   d) Preventing soil erosion

  1. Source: European Environment Agency (2011)