Planning for the rehabilitation of brownfield sites: A landscape ecological perspective

Abstract

This paper is intended to present a model supporting the rehabilitation process of brownfield sites within a landscape ecological context. The model is based on the premise that brownfields can be seen as part of an overall landscape, thus having an influence on its ecological and social functions. If planned and restored properly brownfield sites with large areas of undisturbed habitat may complement parks and natural reserves in the effort to increase the survival of wildlife populations and the establishment of recreational activities. By using a GIS-based algorithm, the model attempts to define which brownfield sites have the potential to sustain wildlife populations in connection with other open spaces and green areas. The model has been used to simulate planning scenarios for a large brownfield area located at the edge of the city of Bari, in the Apulia Region (Southern Italy). Each scenario is characterised by different rehabilitation treatments, such as: site cleanup, planting of sparse vegetation, planting of large vegetation patches. Statistical analyses have been performed in order to discriminate the most valuable scenario among different treatments. Planners and decision makers can benefit from this landscape ecological model when implementing rehabilitation strategies in the redevelopment of brownfield sites.