In 2018, more than 4 billion people lived in urban areas and according to the United Nations, the Urban population will increase by 2.5 billion by 2050. This, however, creates enormous social, economic, and environmental pressure in cities, like, poverty, unemployment, criminality increase, political crisis, biodiversity loss, pollution and natural resource depletion. Urban areas also contribute significantly to climate change, since they are responsible for greenhouse gas emission, as well as other man-made activities, such as agriculture. To address these challenges, several nature-based solutions and ecosystem service strategies have been developed across the World that simultaneously contribute to human well-being and environmental protection such as for example green infrastructure implementation. 

Source: https://doi.org/10.3390/land9120525 

Green infrastructure planning refers to the integration of green spaces and natural systems into urban planning and design, with the aim of improving environmental, economic, and social outcomes.This approach aims to promote sustainable development by preserving and restoring natural ecosystems, while also providing social, economic, and environmental benefits to communities. 

Green infrastructure includes parks, gardens, green roofs, trees, and other vegetation, as well as wetlands, streams, and other bodies of water. 

Some of the examples of green infrastructure are. 

Parks, open spaces, and green belts that provide recreational areas, flood control, and wildlife habitat.  

Street trees and green roofs that improve air quality, reduce urban heat islands, and manage stormwater runoff.  

Urban forests, wetlands, and waterways that serve as natural habitats for wildlife, protect water quality, and provide aesthetic value.  

Greenways, trails, and bike paths that offer alternative transportation options, promote physical activity, and connect communities to nature.  

Agricultural lands and working forests that maintain important ecological and cultural values, while also providing food, fiber, and other products.  

Green planning infrastructure use principles/ elements these are. 

multi-functionality: green infrastructure provides multiple benefits, including improving air and water quality, mitigating the impacts of heat and flooding, and providing habitat for wildlife.  

Integration with the built environment: green infrastructure should be integrated into the built environment, including into buildings and infrastructure systems, to maximize its benefits.  

Planning at multiple scales: green infrastructure planning should occur at multiple scales, from the regional level down to the neighborhoods and site levels.  

Public participation: green infrastructure planning should involve public participation, to ensure that the needs and preferences of local communities are considered.  

Collaboration: Green infrastructure planning should involve collaboration between the government, private sector, and community groups, to ensure that the benefits of green infrastructure are widely shared. 

In conclusion, green planning infrastructure is also an important strategy use to promote sustainable development by preserving and restoring natural ecosystems, while also providing social, economic, and environmental benefits to communities.