Green and blue infrastructure design in a semi-arid region

A novel Green and Blue Infrastructure (GBI) design methodology for the semi-arid Sousse region, Tunisia, was developed to enhance biodiversity conservation by maintaining ecological connectivity. The approach identified key habitats—forest, semi-open, and wetland—and mapped potential corridors using GIS-based buffer analysis around reference species (Cape hare, North African Hedgehog, Marbled Teal) with dispersal distances of 200–300 meters. Fragmentation zones near roads and urban areas were also assessed to prioritize conservation efforts. The resulting GBI map connects biodiversity reservoirs through ecological corridors, offering a scalable model for Tunisia’s sustainable development. This study marks the first application of such methodology in the country.

Bel Fekih Boussema, S., Cohen, M., & Khebour Allouche, F. (2022). Green and blue infrastructure design in a semi-arid region. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2022.1061256