By MARY STARR

The Brunswick News

A development concept new to the area will be introduced at a seminar this month on Jekyll Island.

The concept, known as green infrastructure, is being promoted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Marine Extension Service of the University of Georgia and the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve.

And it's good for business, those behind the concept agree.

Keren Giovengo of the Marine Extension Service in Brunswick says the concept lays the foundation for an interconnected network of protected land, water and other open spaces that contributes to the health and quality of life for communities and people.

"The workshop idea evolved in order to provide an introduction to Coastal Georgians about this terrific opportunity," Giovengo said.

McIntosh County is ahead of its time. Kelly Spratt, a Darien City Council member and inn-keeper, says the city of Darien is well on its way to following green infrastructure concepts.

"I think it challenges us to think of green space as a vital part of our communities, not just as spaces that are yet to be built upon," Spratt said. "This concept seems to emphasize that what we do in our own backyards is of vital significance to our whole coastal community. Everyone of us has a role to play."

Cooperation is a must. Giovengo says the process depends on partnerships between individuals, private entities, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.

"Developers, private land-owners and others benefit from green infrastructure by having a clear understanding of where the most ecologically valuable lands are located and where targeted activities will be directed," Giovengo said.

Spratt says that in Darien, a number of ordinances have been passed that work to protect the community's resources.

In fact, Spratt asserts that Darien has become very progressive in passing and implementing development standards.

"We now have in place a river corridor protection plan, a water quality protection ordinance, storm water regulations and a culture and heritage ordinance designed to encourage commercial development while preserving Darien's unique historic and natural charm," Spratt said.

Spratt said developers are beginning to realize that buying in to the concept will benefit them in the long run and permit them to gain support from the communities in which they do business.

"Much of this has occurred because our constituents have demanded that we protect the integrity of our resources and our town," Spratt said.

Benefit to urban areas. Green infrastructure provides benefits to urban areas on a variety of levels, Giovengo says, not the least of which is the motivation to develop and redevelop land and buildings in the urban core.

"This helps keep core downtowns in business," Giovengo said.

Ecological and social benefits include healthier air, a relaxing atmosphere and a habitat for wildlife in urban neighborhoods.

"It is cheaper to protect than to restore, and taking action today is cheaper than taking action tomorrow," Giovengo said.

Everyone wins. The economy also benefits from a green infrastructure approach.

"Businesses are attracted more by a region or area's quality of life than purely business related factors," Giovengo said.

"In today's global marketplace, where capital and employees are extremely mobile, quality of life is especially important for attracting and maintaining a highly qualified workforce."