Floodplains as greenbelts in urban areas

Authors

  • ML Hugo
  • AB De Villiers

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.38140/trp.v24i0.3087

Keywords:

cultural ecosystem, ecological planning, ecology, floodplain ecosystem, human interference, mega polis, urban environment

Abstract

The aim of this article is to study the effect of human interference in the flood­plain ecosystem within urban areas. To achieve this aim a summary is given of the importance of urban greenbelts, eco­system dynamics, as well as certain drainage basin characteristics. The mis­use of floodplains for urban develop­ment (e.g. stream channel canalization, road building and the erection of build­ings), and the influence of such actions on floodplains (e.g. higher flood peaks and' accelerated erosion), leads to the conclusion that these areas should be seen as a natural assei, to an urban com­munity, rather than a dispensable waste­land to be used for urban expansion. The second conclusion reached is that to maintain artificial greenbelts in urban areas, the increasing cost in human ener­gy inputs alone, justifies the conserva­tion of floodplains as natural greenbelts within the urban environment.

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Published

1988-04-30

How to Cite

Hugo, M. and De Villiers, A. (1988) “Floodplains as greenbelts in urban areas”, Town and Regional Planning, 24, pp. 17–21. doi: 10.38140/trp.v24i0.3087.

Issue

Section

Review articles