Co-creating Mechanisms to Drive Synergy — Societal Implementation of Green Infrastructure through Collaboration among Diverse Stakeholders

Along with the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, the impacts of an increasingly tense international situation are being felt worldwide, including Japan's cities and rural areas. As a result,expectations are rapidly rising for green infrastructure—which utilises the diverse functions of nature as infrastructure. In this session, we will explore the potential of green infrastructure as a synergy approach that moves beyond traditional siloed infrastructure management to simultaneously address the triple crisis, whilst also addressing factors such as food, water, health, and the creation of sustainable cities and regions. Furthermore, to ensure that green infrastructure is not merely an 'environmental measure' but becomes firmly established as a 'foundation for local life and the economy', cooperation among diverse stakeholders—including government, businesses, citizens and researchers—is essential. Therefore, drawing on the latest research findings from Japan and abroad, as well as leading examples from within Japan, we will discuss how to implement green infrastructure that generates synergy within local communities.