What are "green infrastructure" practices in the context of waterways management?

Green infrastructure practices in waterways management focus on utilizing natural systems to manage water. This approach integrates natural processes and ecosystems into the design and operation of water management systems, aiming to maintain or restore the natural water cycle while providing multiple benefits, such as flood control, water quality improvement, and habitat preservation.

By leveraging features such as wetlands, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and green roofs, green infrastructure promotes sustainable stormwater management and enhances the resilience of urban areas to flooding and climate change impacts. This method works in harmony with the environment, supporting biodiversity and offering recreational spaces, while also addressing the challenges posed by urbanization and increased impervious surfaces.

This contrasts sharply with the other choices, which either ignore the benefits of natural systems or focus solely on hard engineering solutions that may lead to increased runoff and environmental degradation.