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Constructed wetlands (CWs) are nature-based solutions (NBS) for water pollution control that can also be designed to be multipurpose in terms of additional ecosystem services (ESs), such as biodiversity support and social benefits. Awareness about additional ESs of CWs can be raised with value transfer (VT) methods for ESs monetization, in particular, the simplified adjusted unit VT method. A multi-criteria analysis (MCA) was performed to compare grey and green infrastructure alternatives for the management of a combined sewer overflow in the Buccinasco town (Italy), in which the criteria related to ESs were monetized with an adjusted VT method (B£ST software). The results highlighted the potential interest in the implementation of the green infrastructure in a new urban park, due to the activation of additional ESs of interest, such as health and recreational aspects. The results were also confirmed by a sensitivity analysis, which simulated the variation of preferences among different stakeholder groups (e.g., citizens, environmentalists). In conclusion, this work provided a transparent methodology to support decisions regarding green and grey infrastructure, allowing to evaluate additional ESs from the beginning of the decision stage with low cost and efforts.
Anacleto Rizzo; Giulio Conte; Fabio Masi. Adjusted Unit Value Transfer as a Tool for Raising Awareness on Ecosystem Services Provided by Constructed Wetlands for Water Pollution Control: An Italian Case Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2021, 18, 1531 .
AMA StyleAnacleto Rizzo, Giulio Conte, Fabio Masi. Adjusted Unit Value Transfer as a Tool for Raising Awareness on Ecosystem Services Provided by Constructed Wetlands for Water Pollution Control: An Italian Case Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18 (4):1531.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAnacleto Rizzo; Giulio Conte; Fabio Masi. 2021. "Adjusted Unit Value Transfer as a Tool for Raising Awareness on Ecosystem Services Provided by Constructed Wetlands for Water Pollution Control: An Italian Case Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 4: 1531.
In this study we assess multiple benefits (environmental, social and economic) provided by a multi-purpose green infrastructure (a series of constructed wetlands surrounded by a park) in a peri-urban area, and compare it with the alternative grey infrastructure and with the previous situation (a poplar plantation). We apply a multi-criteria analysis as a basis for integrated valuation. We address specific policy needs (strategic objectives) for the local territorial planning in the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive. The analysis is used retrospectively (ex post evaluation) but our results could also be used prospectively to appraise new proposals of constructed wetlands under similar circumstances. The results reflect that the green infrastructure performs equal or even better than the grey infrastructure alternative for water purification and flood protection, it has a similar cost, and it provides additional benefits (like wildlife support and recreation). The most preferred alternative is the green infrastructure, followed by the grey infrastructure and the poplar plantation. This study demonstrates (a) the effectiveness of investments on nature-based solutions, (b) the potential of green infrastructures for delivering a broad range of ecosystem services, and (c) the utility of integrating different value systems and stakeholders’ viewpoints to support environmental decision-making.JRC.D.2-Water and Marine Resource
Camino Liquete; Angel Udias; Giulio Conte; Bruna Grizzetti; Fabio Masi. Integrated valuation of a nature-based solution for water pollution control. Highlighting hidden benefits. Ecosystem Services 2016, 22, 392 -401.
AMA StyleCamino Liquete, Angel Udias, Giulio Conte, Bruna Grizzetti, Fabio Masi. Integrated valuation of a nature-based solution for water pollution control. Highlighting hidden benefits. Ecosystem Services. 2016; 22 ():392-401.
Chicago/Turabian StyleCamino Liquete; Angel Udias; Giulio Conte; Bruna Grizzetti; Fabio Masi. 2016. "Integrated valuation of a nature-based solution for water pollution control. Highlighting hidden benefits." Ecosystem Services 22, no. : 392-401.
The excessive use of water is damaging European groundwater and rivers: their environmental conditions are often below the “good status” that—according to Water Framework Directive 2000/60—should be reached by 2015. The already critical situation is tending to get worse because of climate change. Even in water rich countries, urban wastewater is still one of the main sources of water pollution. Currently, urban soil sealing and “conventional” rainwater management, which were planned to quickly move rainwater away from roofs and streets, are increasing the flood risk. “Green” technologies and approaches would permit a reduction in water abstraction and wastewater production while improving urban hydrological response to heavy rains. The Life+ WATACLIC project has been implemented to promote such sustainable technologies and approaches in Italy, however the results show huge difficulties: apparently water saving and sustainable urban water management have only low interest amongst the general public and even with public administrations and the relevant industrial sectors. In such a cultural and technical context, the project is bringing a new point of view to public debate. In the long term, the project will certainly have a positive impact, but most likely it will require more time than initially expected.
Giulio Conte; Andrea Bolognesi; Cristiana Bragalli; Sara Branchini; Alessandro De Carli; Chiara Lenzi; Fabio Masi; Antonio Massarutto; Marco Pollastri; Ilaria Principi. Innovative Urban Water Management as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy: Results from the Implementation of the Project “Water Against Climate Change (WATACLIC)”. Water 2012, 4, 1025 -1038.
AMA StyleGiulio Conte, Andrea Bolognesi, Cristiana Bragalli, Sara Branchini, Alessandro De Carli, Chiara Lenzi, Fabio Masi, Antonio Massarutto, Marco Pollastri, Ilaria Principi. Innovative Urban Water Management as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy: Results from the Implementation of the Project “Water Against Climate Change (WATACLIC)”. Water. 2012; 4 (4):1025-1038.
Chicago/Turabian StyleGiulio Conte; Andrea Bolognesi; Cristiana Bragalli; Sara Branchini; Alessandro De Carli; Chiara Lenzi; Fabio Masi; Antonio Massarutto; Marco Pollastri; Ilaria Principi. 2012. "Innovative Urban Water Management as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy: Results from the Implementation of the Project “Water Against Climate Change (WATACLIC)”." Water 4, no. 4: 1025-1038.