THE IMPACT OF LARGE-SCALE LOGISTICS, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ON GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM: A CASE STUDY OF THE WROCŁAW FUNCTIONAL URBAN AREA (POLAND)

Abstract

Motives: Green infrastructure (GI) in functional urban areas (FUA) plays a crucial role in supporting sustainable development by providing a variety of ecosystem services. At the same time, peri-urban zones are becoming increasingly attractive for warehouse, logistics, and commercial investments, which can lead to fragmentation of GI and a reduction in its overall functionality. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the GI system within the Wrocław FUA and its resilience to land use pressure in the years 2006, 2012, and 2018. Based on Urban Atlas data, the study assessed the extent of industrial land encroachment into the GI system within the Wrocław FUA, with particular attention to core units (K1), which form the backbone of the system, and high-risk units (Z1), which require protective measures due to their vulnerability to degradation. Results: The results indicate an increase in industrial land, especially in the outer GI ring and in connector zones, with relatively limited changes in the first ring, in the immediate vicinity of the city. The observed trends emphasize the need for continuous monitoring and the integration of GI into spatial planning at the local level.