Bridging urbanization and green development: The case of Järfällas Regional City Core
By: Parisa Aayani, Jessica Berglund, Andreas Myloulis, Angel Shrestha
As urban areas expand and densify, balancing green and grey infrastructure becomes critical to ensure sustainable development and ecological resilience. This report explores how Järfälla Municipality can strengthen its green infrastructure (GI) and ecosystem service (ES) provisioning to meet long-term sustainability goals, including addressing climate change and enhancing biodiversity. By integrating a literature review, policy review, and interviews with representatives from municipal departments, the study identifies key strategies for improving urban ES and land-use planning in Järfälla. The findings underscore the importance of a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to urban planning. Strategic assessments of ES are pivotal for understanding the capacities and deficiencies within Järfälla’s GI. Continuous mapping and evaluation of GI can inform land-use decisions and help prioritize interventions before development occurs. The report highlights nature-based solutions (NBS) as effective tools for addressing identified gaps, such as restoring underutilized green spaces and converting impermeable surfaces to multifunctional residential areas. Enhancing GI connectivity and weakening the barrier effect from major urban barriers, such as the highway and train tracks, is recommended to mitigate habitat fragmentation and promote biodiversity. Collaboration across municipal departments emerged as a critical success factor. Stakeholders emphasized the need for coordination from planning through implementation to balance competing priorities. This is especially important given that the densification targets of the municipality are aligned with regional mandates and agreements, which place significant pressure on the local urban ecosystems. Additionally, the report addresses potential trade-offs between biodiversity and usability, noting that green spaces must serve both ecological and social functions. Strategies such as vertical development, targeted restoration efforts, and integrating NBS into housing projects are proposed to harmonize these objectives. By adopting a strategic, context-specific approach to GI and ES management, Järfälla can enhance its ecological resilience, contribute to Agenda 2030 goals, and position itself as a model for sustainable urban development. This study offers actionable insights for policymakers and urban planners aiming to balance growth with environmental stewardship.
