DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF GREEN SPACES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: WHAT ROLES FOR NATIVE PLANT SPECIES?

Abstract

Ordinary models of development and management of green spaces in sub-Saharan Africa, often based on fragmented functional zoning with the use of exotic species requiring lot of maintenance, seems today unsuited to the challenges of sustainable development. Land pressures due to rural exodus and the lack of urban planningmake the future of urban vegetation difficult without understanding the real contribution of greenery. Integrating native plant species along with their ecosystem services into development and management plans could be an advantageous alternative. Indeed, assimilation of ecosystem services permit a better social implication and allows the population to understand the importance and the benefits they can afford from green spaces. Smart design could keep green attractiveness leading to a better integration of these spaces which could then contribute to improving citizens lifes quality while preserving the environmental and the economic importances of green spaces. In this context, native plants species in public spaces could be the link between social interest, economic rationality and biodiversity respect.