4

Abstract. Potential impacts from changing coastal landscapes, specifically the conversion of forested and agricultural lands to residential and commercial development, can be reduced by more informed decision-making related to green infrastructure if the appropriate tools are available. An assessment of existing natural resources and their benefits in terms of ecosystem services can allow for better guidance for their protection and preservation. In contrast, some highly impervious urban landscapes could benefit from restoration strategies based on green infrastructure principles as sustainable solutions that mimic natural hydrology and ecology. The effectiveness of sustainable land use strategies, whether in developed or developing areas, becomes an exercise in optimization at varying spatial and temporal scales