The Development of a Novel Decision Support System for the Location of Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management

Between flood and drought: How cities are facing water surplus and scarcity

Droughts and floods are weather-related hazards affecting cities in all climate zones and causing human deaths and material losses on all inhabited continents. The aim of this article is to review, analyse and discuss in detail the problems faced by urban ecosystems due to water surplus and scarcity, as well as the need of adaptation to climate change taking into account the legislation, current challenges and knowledge gaps. The literature review indicated that urban floods are much more recognised than urban droughts. Amongst floods, flash floods are currently the most challenging, which by their nature are difficult to monitor. Research and adaptation measures related to water-released hazards use cutting-edge technologies for risk assessment, decision support systems, or early warning systems, among others, but in all areas knowledge gaps for urban droughts are evident. Increasing urban retention and introducing Low Impact Development and Nature-based Solutions is a remedy for both droughts and floods in cities. There is the need to integrate flood and drought disaster risk reduction strategies and creating a holistic approach.

Land Use Mix in Functional Urban Areas of Selected Central European Countries from 2006 to 2012

The land use mix (LUM) is among the critical issues in spatial planning because it can determine the occurrence and structure of various land use and cover types (LUC) and prevent any adverse patterns. The paper focuses on the LUM in functional urban areas (FUAs) in Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary. The research employed Urban Atlas (UA) data on LUC in 2006 and 2012 to characterise LUM in the FUAs. The research follows the division of the FUA into the urban area (urban core, UC) and its functional surroundings (commuting zones, CZ). We further characterised the phenomena investigated for the entire country, region, and Europe using Corine Land Cover (CLC) data. The LUM was quantified with the entropy index (EI), dissimilarity index (DI), and multi-dimensional balance index (MBI). The EI demonstrated that the investigated FUAs went through more substantial LUM changes than the 27 European Union member states (EU27) from 2006 to 2012. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that LUM overspill was more intensive in CZs than in UCs on the regional and national levels. We found out that urbanised areas grew at the expense of agricultural areas in both UCs and CZs with similar dynamics in 2006-2012 in all the analysed countries.

A participatory tool for assessing land footprint in city-region food systems—A case study from Metropolitan Copenhagen

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of current food systems to feed populations around the world. Particularly in urban centers, consumers have been confronted with this vulnerability, highlighting reliance on just-in-time logistics, imports and distant primary production. Urban food demand, regional food supply, land use change, and transport strategies are considered key factors for reestablishing resilient landscapes as part of a sustainable food system. Improving the sustainability of food systems in such circumstances entails working on the interrelations between food supply and demand, rural and urban food commodity production sites, and groups of involved actors and consumers. Of special significance is the agricultural land in close proximity to urban centers. Calling for more holistic approaches in the sense of inclusiveness, food security, citizen involvement and ecological principles, this article describes the use of a new decision support tool, the Metropolitan Foodscape Planner (MFP). The MFP features up-to-date European datasets to assess the potential of current agricultural land use to provide food resources (with special attention to both plant- and animal-based products) and meet the demand of city dwellers, and help to empower citizens, innovators, companies, public authorities and other stakeholders of regional food systems to build a more regionalized food supply network. The tool was tested in the context of the food system of the Copenhagen City Region in two collaborative workshops, namely one workshop with stakeholders of the Copenhagen City Region representing food consultancies, local planning authorities and researchers, and one in-person workshop masterclass with MSc students from the University of Copenhagen. Workshop participants used the tool to learn about the impacts of the current food system at the regional and international level with regard to the demand-supply paradigm of city-regions. The ultimate goal was to develop a participatory mapping exercise and test three food system scenarios for a more regionalized and sustainable food system and, therefore, with increased resilience to crises. Results from this implementation also demonstrated the potential of the tool to identify food production sites at local level that are potentially able to feed the city region in a more sustainable, nutritious and way.

The influence of Strzelin Quarry Lakes on small reservoir retention resources in the regional catchments

The paper presents the results of the analysis of the volume of water retained in Strzelin Quarry Lakes (SQLs). The volume of retained water was estimated by using the computational method, where the proposed reduction factors were determined with the use of DTM (digital terrain model). 2.6 hm³ of water was retained in seventeen Strzelin Quarry Lakes, of which 1.2 hm³ in the Ślęza River catchment (3 quarry lakes), and 1.4 hm³ in the Oława River catchment (14 quarry lakes). The obtained data of the volume of water retained in SQLs were compared to the balance of the water retention capacity of water reservoirs in the catchments of the Ślęza River (0.809 hm³), part of the WR08 Bystrzyca balance catchments (16.190 hm³) and in the catchments of the Oława River (2.782 hm³), part of the WR09 Nysa Kłodzka balance catchment (104.960 hm³). Inclusion the volume of water retained in Strzelin Quarry Lakes in the small scale water retention (reservoirs and ponds) balance would increase the volume of retained water by 156.0% in the Ślęza catchment (by 7.8% in the WR08 Bystrzyca balance catchment) and by 49.5% in the Oława catchment (by 1,3% in the WR09 Nysa Kłodzka balance catchment). Under favorable hydrogeological and geomorphological conditions water reclamation of the excavations may be one of the main aspects of increasing the retention capacity of the catchment, what is particularly important in areas characterized by low water resources.

Addressing the social barriers to green stormwater infrastructure in residential areas from a socio-ecological perspective

Despite the well-recognized financial limitations, social aspects can also impact the adoption of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) as it is ingrained in the socio-ecological system we live in. Thus, this work focuses on gaining an understanding of the public's perceptions of GSI by considering cognitive biases that hinder its adoption. This work is composed of two forms of human-subject studies, including an online-based survey and a series of semi-structured interviews. The survey (n = 510) was conducted to gauge public opinions toward GSI, whereas the interviews with representatives of major local regulatory agencies were to learn about the logistics for GSI implementation in Mecklenburg County, NC. The results were interpreted using the theory of planned behavior of rational actors. Statistical results showed a weak interpretation through this theory to explain the survey participants' intention to adopt GSI measures. This could suggest that the incorporation of irrationality, such as cognitive biases, could further enhance the predictability of the theory. At the same time, an inconsistency between the findings from the survey and the interviews was identified: most survey participants showed an overall uniform positive attitude, intention, and behavior regarding GSI practice adoption, whereas the interviewed experts all suggested a wide diversity on such terms. Suggestions were made based on the findings for better policy-making on public engagement for local regulatory agencies. This research aims to help local stormwater management authorities explore shortcomings in current stakeholder engagement plans to gain sustainable support for GSI implementation in urbanized areas.

Integrating Sponge City Requirements into the Management of Urban Development Land: An Improved Methodology for Sponge City Implementation

Sponge city planning aims to manage urban development land to prevent flooding and to support the achievement of water resource protection objectives. In this study, from the perspective of rainfall management demand and ability, we present an improved planning method, including two calculation models, aimed at determining the VCRAR (volume capture ratio of annual rainfall) and then integrating VCRAR requirements into the management of urban development land more accurately and objectively, while simultaneously considering the rainfall condition and urban planning attributes to support the implementation of sponge city planning. Compared to the current method, the VCRAR calculation model greatly improves the accuracy of the VCRAR for various space scales, and the conversion model solves the fundamental problem that urban land indicators corresponding to the VCRAR are difficult to calculate objectively and accurately. Moreover, this methodology can achieve a reasonable tradeoff between the development of individual districts and the environmental protection of the whole urban watershed, which allows a poetic vision to be turned into executable planning and design. The results of the application of this methodology in a case study in Jizhou, China, show that the improved method can make land utilization, development period and natural conditions more integrated and scientifically involved in the indicator calculation. The results also quantitatively show that the capacity of volume capture inside the site for one district increases as its green space ratio increases, and it decreases with an increase in the transformation difficulty for stormwater management facilities, when restricted by the investment and available space.

Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Spatial Green Stormwater Infrastructure Research

The use of vegetation and infiltration into soils to manage stormwater and water quality—called green stormwater infrastructure (GSI)—is now widely recognized as a viable alternative or supplement to the pipes and pumps of conventional, or “gray”, drainage infrastructure. Over the years, much research has emerged regarding spatial aspects of GSI implemented at large scales, including where it is located, where it should be located, and what metrics best represent the benefits it brings to different locations. Research in these areas involves expertise from multiple academic disciplines, but it is unclear whether and how researchers from different disciplines identify and approach questions related to the spatiality of GSI. By adopting the explanatory sequential mixed method design, we identified four categories of spatial GSI studies through a literature review of over 120 research papers: empirical, ecological, decision support systems, and optimization. Here, we present representative examples of these categories of spatial GSI studies, as well as associations between the academic disciplines represented in these categories of spatial GSI papers. Then, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a sample of GSI researchers which revealed the value of interdisciplinary training and knowledge. Finally, in this paper, we identify several gaps that could be addressed to improve interdisciplinary research on GSI implementation, and sustainability transitions in general.

Management of Urban Waters with Nature-Based Solutions in Circular Cities—Exemplified through Seven Urban Circularity Challenges

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have been proven to effectively mitigate and solve resource depletion and climate-related challenges in urban areas. The COST (Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action CA17133 entitled “Implementing nature-based solutions (NBS) for building a resourceful circular city” has established seven urban circularity challenges (UCC) that can be addressed effectively with NBS. This paper presents the outcomes of five elucidation workshops with more than 20 European experts from different backgrounds. These international workshops were used to examine the effectiveness of NBS to address UCC and foster NBS implementation towards circular urban water management. A major outcome was the identification of the two most relevant challenges for water resources in urban areas: ‘Restoring and maintaining the water cycle’ (UCC1) and ‘Water and waste treatment, recovery, and reuse’ (UCC2). s Moreover, significant synergies with ‘Nutrient recovery and reuse’, ‘Material recovery and reuse’, ‘Food and biomass production’, ‘Energy efficiency and recovery’, and ‘Building system recovery’ were identified. Additionally, the paper presents real-life case studies to demonstrate how different NBS and supporting units can contribute to the UCC. Finally, a case-based semi-quantitative assessment of the presented NBS was performed. Most notably, this paper identifies the most typically employed NBS that enable processes for UCC1 and UCC2. While current consensus is well established by experts in individual NBS, we presently highlight the potential to address UCC by combining different NBS and synergize enabling processes. This study presents a new paradigm and aims to enhance awareness on the ability of NBS to solve multiple urban circularity issues.

Green Infrastructures and the Consideration of Their Soil-Related Ecosystem Services in Urban Areas—A Systematic Literature Review

Although urban soils are strongly influenced by human activities, they provide a wide range of Ecosystem Services (ES) as long as they are not sealed off. This is a major sustainability issue as the loss of soil functions directly impacts ES and further on the possibility to adapt to the effects of the climate crisis. Green Infrastructure (GI) measures can be utilized to restore previously covered soil surfaces and compensate for lost soil functions. We conducted a systematic literature review to investigate the extent of peer-reviewed publications on GI measures in (peri-) urban areas covering soil-related ES. After identifying the relevant publications (n = 284), we generated an overview of the annual, spatial, and thematic distribution of the publications. Then, we employed an extended content analysis of the published focus topics to assess the representation of soil-related ES provided by GI. The content analysis revealed that the representation of soil-related ES in GI measures focused heavily on the contribution of soil to stormwater management. Detailed assessment of the interconnection of GI measures with key soil-related ES were missing. So far, the assessment of the loss of soil-related ES is not covered extensively in GI research publications.

Public Green Space Policy Implementation: A Case Study of Krakow, Poland

Green space is essential for the implementation of the idea of sustainable urban development. This paper contains original research on the implementation of local government tasks in the development of public green space. The aim of this research was to analyse the actions taken by the municipal authorities regarding the development of public green space, including the acquisition of real properties, the regulation of their legal status, as well as the adoption of planning and programme documents. The Polish Central Statistical Office data on the public green space of the largest cities in Poland were analysed in order to determine the dynamics of changes. Then, the focus was placed on Krakow, where the authors analysed in detail the distribution and type of urban green space as well as the actions taken by the Municipality to both extend it and to protect it against building development. The criterion of green space accessibility to city residents was indicated as a necessary aspect to be considered in the overall assessment of the existing greenery. The conclusions include the assessment of the actions of the Krakow authorities and the observed trends in the development of public green space.

Prioritization of stormwater management sites in urban areas

Multiple pressures as urbanization, densification and climate change lead to the need for adaptation of sewer systems within urban environments. To increase the adaptive capacity of stormwater management systems, there is a shift towards decentralized nature-based solutions (NBS). Especially in densely built areas the availability of land can be a limiting factor for the implementation of NBS. To consider the spatial framework conditions in planning we developed an integrated modelling framework for prioritizing sites for NBS implementation for stormwater management within built urban structures. The implementation potential of NBS from a settlement structure model and a street typology model are combined with the discharge reduction potential from a sewer model. In effectiveness matrices priorities for stormwater management sites for individual NBS are identified. This modelling framework offers a transparent and flexible approach to decision making for the implementation of NBS.

The Analysis of Green Areas' Accessibility in Comparison with Statistical Data in Poland

The study discusses the problem of public green areas’ accessibility for the residents of large cities in Poland. The purpose of the research is to assess the possibility of applying the British Accessible Natural Greenspace Standard (ANGSt) method in determining the amount of natural green space available to residents in Polish conditions including, in particular, the assessment of accessibility using data collected by the Central Statistical Office and the verification of results based on detailed research. The identification of green areas for 18 voivodeship cities in Poland was prepared using the GIS programme, taking into account public green space, provided for general access and free of change. The verification of the ANGSt method consisted of mapping spatial barriers extending the route of access either on foot or by roads as well as closed private areas. The conducted research revealed that, after taking into account the access routes to selected areas, the distance to public green areas increased, on average, from 50 m in the smallest cities (Gorzów Wielkopolski and Olsztyn) to as much as 450 m in Warszawa. A detailed analysis showed that the discussed accessibility was reduced, on average, by almost 10% for the residents of the analysed cities. It was also found that the introduced barriers did not affect the accessibility of more distant, larger green space areas.

Risk Analysis Related to Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources and Hydropower Production in the Lusatian Neisse River Basin

Water resources are one of the most important issues affected by climate change. Climate scenarios show that in the upcoming decades, further climate change can occur. It concerns especially air temperature and sunshine duration, whose prognosis indicates a significant rising trend till the end of the century. The goal of the paper was the evaluation of water resources and hydropower production in the future, depending on climate scenarios with a consideration of risk analysis. The analysis was carried out on the basis of observation data for the Lusatian Neisse river basin (Poland) for 1971–2015 and climate projections till 2100 for the RCP2.6 and RCP8.5 (representative concentration pathways) scenarios. The results of the research showed that, especially in terms of RCP8.5, very high risk of decrease in water resources and hydropower production is expected in the future. Therefore, recommendations for mitigation of the possible effects are presented.

The Use of Common Knowledge in Fuzzy Logic Approach for Vineyard Site Selection

A multitude of factors considered necessary for an informed choice of the location of the vineyard can be overwhelming for the decision-maker. Is there still a place for knowledge valuable from the perspective of an experienced winegrower in the era of precise measurements? The informative use of so-called common knowledge is possible owing to fuzzy-based techniques, which allow for the representation of intuitive notions in terms of quantitative measures. The work uses tools based on fuzzy logic to cover the scope of common knowledge within the decision-making process. Owing to its flexibility and ability to deal with imprecise input data while maintaining the simple construction, the fuzzy logic solution filled the gap between GIS data and wine grower’s experience. Based on the data from the thematic literature, a set of rules was created to interpret the relationships between popular site selection criteria. The dynamics and manner of interaction between variables were determined using adequate membership functions. Pre-processing using GIS with remote sensing data was considered as a preliminary stage for the analysis. By using the graphical interface, the system operation facilitates the work of a potential user. The obtained results indicated the possibility of an alternative approach to classical analyses by replacing or extending the meaning of some variables using information based on feelings and perceptions. Research constitutes a premise for the further development of expert systems using widely understood domain knowledge.

Selected Elements of Technical Infrastructure in Municipalities Territorially Connected with National Parks

The article addresses the problem of selected technical infrastructure elements (e.g., water supply, sewage, gas networks) in municipalities territorially connected with Polish national parks. Therefore, the research refers to the specific areas: both naturally valuable and attractive in terms of tourism. The time range of the research covers the years 2003–2018. The studied networks were characterized based on the statistical analysis using linear ordering methods; synthetic measures of development were applied. It allowed the ranking construction of the examined municipalities in terms of the development level of water supply, sewage, and gas networks. The results show that the period 2003–2018 was characterized by a development of the analyzed networks in the vast majority of municipalities. Thus, the level of anthropopressure caused by the presence of local community and tourists in municipalities showed a decline. It is worth emphasizing that the infrastructure investments are carried out comprehensively. Favoring investments in the development of any of the abovementioned networks was not observed.

The InVEST Habitat Quality Model Associated with Land Use/Cover Changes: A Qualitative Case Study of the Winike Watershed in the Omo-Gibe Basin, Southwest Ethiopia

The contribution of biodiversity to the global economy, human survival, and welfare has been increasing significantly, but the anthropogenic pressure as a threat to the pristine habitat has followed. This study aims to identify habitat suitability, analyze the change in habitat quality from 1988 to 2018, and to investigate the correlation between impact factors and habitat quality. The InVEST habitat quality model was used to analyze the spatiotemporal change in habitat quality in individual land-use types in the Winike watershed. Remote sensing data were used to analyze the land use/land cover changes. Nine threat sources, their maximum distance of impact, mode of decay, and sensitivity to threats were also estimated for each land-use cover type. The analysis illustrates that habitat degradation in the watershed was continuously increasing over the last three decades (1988 to 2018). Each threat impact factor and habitat sensitivity have increased for the last 30 years. The most contributing factor of habitat degradation was the 25.41% agricultural expansion in 2018. Population density, land-use intensity, elevation, and slope were significantly correlated with the distribution of habitat quality. Habitat quality degradation in the watershed during the past three decades suggested that the conservation strategies applied in the watershed ecosystem were not effective. Therefore, this study helps decision makers, particularly regarding the lack of data on biodiversity. It further looks into the conflict between economic development and conservation of biodiversity.

A Decision Support System for Elective Surgery Scheduling under Uncertain Durations

The operation room (OR) is one of the most expensive material resources in hospitals. Additionally, the demand for surgical service is increasing due to the aging population, while the number of surgical interventions performed is stagnated because of budget reasons. In this context, the importance of improving the efficiency of the surgical service is accentuated. The main objective of this work is to propose and to evaluate a Decision Support System (DSS) for helping medical staff in the automatic scheduling of elective patients, improving the efficiency of medical teams’ work. First, the scheduling criteria are fixed and then the scheduling problem of elective patients is approached by a mathematical programming model. A heuristic algorithm is proposed and included in the DSS. Moreover, other different features are implemented in a software tool with a friendly user interface, called CIPLAN. Considering realistic data, a simulation comparison of the scheduling obtained using the approach presented in this paper and other similar approaches in the bibliography is shown and analyzed. On the other hand, a case study considering real data provided by the Orthopedic Surgical Department (OSD) of the “Lozano Blesa” hospital in Zaragoza (HCU) is proposed. The simulation results show that the approach presented here obtains similar occupation rates and similar confidence levels of not exceeding the available time than approaches in the bibliography. However, from the point of view of respecting the order of the patients in the waiting list, the approach in this paper obtains scheduling much more ordered. In the case of the Orthopedic Surgical Department of the “Lozano Blesa” hospital in Zaragoza, the occupation rate may be increased by 2.83%, which represents a saving of 110,000 euros per year. Moreover, medical doctors (who use this tool) consider CIPLAN as an intuitive, rapid and efficient software solution that can make easier the corresponding task.

An Innovative Decision Support System to Improve the Energy Efficiency of Buildings in Urban Areas

Improving in the energy efficiency of urban buildings, and maximizing the savings and the resulting benefits require information support from city decision-makers, planners, and designers. The selection of the appropriate analytical methods will allow them to make optimal design and location decisions. Therefore, the research problem of this article is the development of an innovative decision support system using multi-criteria analysis and Geographic Information Systems (decision support system + Geographic Information Systems = DGIS) for planning urban development. The proposed decision support system provides information to energy consumers about the location of energy efficiency improvement potential. This potential has been identified as the possibility of introducing low-energy buildings and the use of renewable energy sources. DGIS was tested in different construction areas (categories: A, B, C, D), Zielona Góra quarters. The results showed which area among the 53 quarters with a separate dominant building category was the most favorable for increasing energy efficiency, and where energy efficiency could be improved by investing in renewable energy sources, taking into account the decision-maker. The proposed DGIS system can be used by local decision-makers, allowing better action to adapt cities to climate change and to protect the environment. This approach is part of new data processing strategies to build the most favorable energy scenarios in urban areas.

Sustainability

This review on Sustainability covers selected 2018 publications on the focus of sustainability. It is divided into the following sections: (a) Water quantity; (b) Water quality; (c) Climate change and resilience; (d) Planning and ecosystem evaluation; (e) Life cycle assessment (LCA) applications; (f) Sustainable management; (g) Sustainability and asset management; (h) Sustainability in wastewater treatment; (i) Sustainable water and wastewater utilities; (j) Sustainable water resource management.

Urban stormwater characterization, control, and treatment

This review summarizes over 250 studies published in 2018 related to the characterization, control, and management of urban stormwater runoff. The review covers three broad themes: (a) quantity and quality characterization of stormwater, (b) control and treatment of stormwater runoff, and (c) implementation and assessment of watershed-scale green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). Each section provides an overview of the 2018 literature, common themes, and future work. Several themes emerged from the 2018 literature including exploration of contaminants of emerging concern within stormwater systems, characterization and incorporation of vegetation-driven dynamics in stormwater control measures, and the need for interdisciplinary perspectives on the implementation and assessment of GSI. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Over 250 studies were published in 2018 related to the characterization, control, and treatment of stormwater. Studies cover general stormwater characteristics, control and treatment systems, and watershed-scale assessments. Trends in 2018 include treatment trains, vegetation dynamics, and interdisciplinary perspectives.

Nutrient Pollutants in Surface Water—Assessing Trends in Drinking Water Resource Quality for a Regional City in Central Europe

This paper presents the changes in concentration of seven biogenic indices in the Wisłok River water and determines the water treatment processes required in order to obtain water fit for consumption. The investigations were conducted during 2004–2013, and water samples were collected at a measuring-control point was situated at 67.9 km on the river at the surface water intake for the water supply to the Rzeszów city dwellers. Analysis of the research results allows for the forecasting of technological and organizational changes in the treatment processes of the abstracted water. It was found that only the mean concentration of Kjeldahl nitrogen exceeded the value admissible for class I, which allowed the Wisłok River water to be classified as class II with good potential and determined the water quality category as A2, which indicates the necessity for typical performance physical and chemical treatment. Downward trends in the contents of the tested nutrients occurred during the period of investigation, except for nitrite nitrogen. Statistically significant downward trends were registered for ammonium nitrogen, Kjeldahl nitrogen, total nitrogen and phosphates. The decline in nutrient concentrations in the water of Wisłok is a tangible result of the introduction of new standards of water resource management in the catchment, compliant with the European Union legislation.

Application of Game Theory against Nature in the Assessment of Technical Solutions Used in River Regulation in the Context of Aquatic Plant Protection

The anthropogenic transformation of riverbeds causes a violation of the dynamic equilibrium of the river and its environment, threatening the ecological safety of aquatic ecosystems and dependent waters. However, the differing results of these transformations are dependent on many factors and it is difficult to determine them precisely before the works start. The designers and contractors of these works are dealing with the riverbed, which in terms of hydromorphological and biological features is variable, unique, and strongly diverse. Thus, decisions are followed by an unknown result concerning changes in the riverbed ecosystems. The aim of this study is to determine the suitability of game theory as a tool supporting decision-making in the design of regulatory works including ecological aspects, as well as an indication of a regulatory works model that would meet the expectations of water users while corresponding to environmentally friendly riverbed regulation. The analysis was made on the basis of observed changes in the number of species in aquatic plant vascular communities—one of the most important elements of a riverbed ecosystem. Using game theory, it is possible to create an effective tool for the design of regulatory works and decision-making process.

The Method of Planning Green Infrastructure System with the Use of Landscape-Functional Units (Method LaFU) and its Implementation in the Wrocław Functional Area (Poland)

Green infrastructure (GI) is planned at various scales, including a regional one: city-regions. Strategic GI planning included in the city-regions spatial development policy can contribute to their sustainable development through, among others, providing a range of ecosystem services. In order to meet the challenge of planning GI on a regional scale, the authors present the Method of Landscape-Functional Units (Method LaFU), which is used for the planning and evaluation of such systems. This method was tested in the Wrocław Functional Area (WFA), which is characterized by many negative processes, primarily uncontrolled development of built-up areas, fragmentation of landscape, and declining natural and semi-natural areas. The presented results show the effectiveness of the Method LaFU in GI planning and, above all, in its assessment, which makes it possible to identify problem areas that are at risk but still important for the functioning of the GI system. This allows for quick decision making by entities responsible for spatial planning in the region. The proposed method can also be used in other city-regions.