Green Infrastructure and basic sanitation: parallels, benefits and the potential of implementation through the Municipal Plans

Abstract

Objective: This work establishes parallels between elements of Green Infrastructure (GI) and basic sanitation services stipulated in the National Basic Sanitation Policy, and highlights possible benefits/functions of GI for each of these services, discussing the role of Municipal Basic Sanitation Plans (MBSP) in this context. Methodology: A bibliographical review and public policy analysis were carried out by studying the content of related legislation. Originality/relevance: The paper includes the development of a framework relating the elements of GI and their potential benefits/functions in relation to the different elements of sanitation, in addition to the issue of water and sewage, more commonly related to GI in the literature, collaborating in a more comprehensive way for the discussion. Results: It is concluded that the environmental services provided by a GI network can contribute to greater sustainability of basic sanitation networks, thus highlighting the importance of GI being included in policy-making. In this sense, the MBSP have the potential to stimulate and subsidize the planning and implementation of GI by municipalities. Social/Management Contributions: Considering the current situation of basic sanitation in Brazil, the opportunity to use GI is discussed as a way to assist the provision of basic sanitation services in a more sustainable way and with a series of social, environmental and economic benefits. Linking these alternative solutions in the design of MBSP, mandatory for all municipalities, increases the opportunity for these solutions to be put into practice, in a complementary way to the gray infrastructure solutions.