Sustainability of green infrastructure in Biskra: Assessment and prospects for improvement

Abstract

This article explores the dynamics of green infrastructure in the city of Biskra, Algeria, emphasizing its crucial past role, particularly given the presence of palm groves, with respect to urban sustainability. The constant urban sprawl, at the expense of their ecological potential, has been an imminent threat to urban ecosystems, causing environmental, socio-cultural, and economic challenges. This justifies the need to evaluate the sustainability of green infrastructure in the city of Biskra. To achieve this, we used a methodology based on a qualitative method based on a questionnaire, collecting opinions and perceptions of residents on various aspects of green infrastructure, and a sustainability barometer, providing a quantitative measure of relevant environmental, socio-cultural, and economic indicators. By integrating qualitative data from the questionnaire and quantitative measures from the barometer, our study yields a holistic assessment of the sustainability of green infrastructure in Biskra. The results highlight its vulnerability and issues related to its sustainability. We identified improvement opportunities and phrased recommendations for strengthening the sustainability of urban green infrastructure.