Green and blue infrastructure design in a semi-arid region

The Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) is a new approach for dealing with biodiversity conservation based on maintaining the ecological networks by ensuring survival of animal plant species. GBI considered public policy to avoid loss preserving landscape connectivity protecting natural habitats from fragmentation. Countries including United States, Canada, Kingdom, Italy, Portugal, Japan, China, Brazil, Turkey are seeking integrate this concept into their environmental policies. This study proposed methodology design at regional scale applied Sousse region in Tunisia. Two main approaches were used. first was identifying three reference species marked different dispersal distances. second GIS spatial analysis using buffer model help assess connectivity. developed comprises five steps. In step, forest habitat sub-frame, semi-open wetland sub-frame determined detailed land-use map. Then, reservoirs identified. third buffers varying between 200, 250, 300 m depending distance (Cape hare, North African Hedgehog, Marbled Teal) around identify zones potential connections them. Next, also detect fragmentation along road built-up areas. Finally, corridors mapped overlay result creation connecting methodological characterization city map represent innovative research prototype can be other local or spaces, contributing toward realizing national promoting sustainable projects.