Green around the gills? The challenge of density for urban greenspace planning in SEQ

The research program underlying this paper is to inquire forms of community-led management of small open spaces. Small open spaces can be one of the key factors to develop social capitals of the local communities, not only because they provide places for the people to gather and interact, but also because the community’s collective action to create better open spaces can make the community resilient. As a case study, the present paper deals with “Community Hiroba”, small open spaces designed and managed by local communities in Kyoto city. It is aimed to assemble a picture of the usage and the management of the open spaces through, 1) field surveys and interviews to their managers, and 2) questionnaire survey to the local residents regarding the “Community Hiroba” in their neighborhood. The interviews to the managers show that half of them feel difficulty in finding their successors in younger generations. As a result of the analysis of the questionnaire survey, some factors of which improvement may encourage local residents to participate the management of the open spaces are found. The most significant factor among them is found to be the willingness to participate events in the open space, while other factors including social capital of the residents and the degree of recognition about the open space are also found to have positive effects on the local residents’ willingness to take part in the management of the open spaces.

The poor quality of the Nigerian urban environment has been attributed partly to the inadequate%2C misuse and mis- management of the urban open spaces. This%2C according to various researchers%2C has exerted a major strain on the physical outlook of the environment and a negative effect on the welfare and productivity of the residents. This has called for the need to identify and analyze the open spaces in the urban environment and assess the implications of their landscape planning on the status of the city and the development of a healthy and sustainable environment. This study therefore discusses the concept of sustainability%2C particularly within the built environment. It looks into the principles and indicators for sustainability of the environment and the resulting problems. Furthermore%2C a case study of Akure urban core was carried out to assess the uses and landscape status of the open spaces. The results when statistically analysed showed the inadequacies in the provision and management of the open spaces in the study area. It therefore recommends attainable policies for the effective sustainability of the environment. Abstract in Bahasa Indonesia : urban environment%2C sustainability%2C landscaping.

There is a worldwide trend for planning bodies to allow, require, or encourage developers to provide open spaces in their properties for public enjoyment to complement the open spaces on government lands. The two types of privately owned open space and government-owned open space, both accessible to public, can influence on people’s quality of life. Whether and how the land ownership of open spaces would influence their performance and, in turn, affect user satisfaction has not yet been studied and is worthy of exploration. This paper aims to examine the interactive relationships among three variables: ‘publicness’, quality/performance, and user satisfaction in both types of open space in Hong Kong. A questionnaire survey was administered to users of privately owned open space and government-owned open space and found that satisfaction with government-owned open space was marginally higher than with privately owned open space, with respect to activity facilities, amenities, and the overall utilization. Nevertheless, the differences in satisfaction were mainly the result of open space quality rather than land ownership per se. This study also examines the determinants of satisfaction, open space provision, and management and trends in spatial use. Findings from this study can deepen the understanding of utilizing both government-owned open space and privately owned open space from the user’s perspective, which will help improve the planning, design, and management of open spaces in cities.

This article analyses the recent provision of local open space in urban consolidation developments in Sydney. In particular, it looks at the extent to which local open space areas required to meet new residents' needs under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act are not being provided in such developments, and the reasons for this. Under-provision is shown to be greatest in existing higher density areas where the state government has targeted significantly increased urban consolidation. Reasons for under-provision include reluctance to pass on the cost to developers of funding the required open space given existing housing market prices, local council plans allowing developers' contributions to be diverted to embellishing existing open space, and the lack of local government revenue to maintain new open space. The result is intensified pressure on existing open space.

This paper use the advanced experience of Japan in the area of disaster prevention green space planning and construction and, look at the status, gaps and challenges of China's construction and planning of Green Infrastructure, present the new thinking direction about the construction of disaster prevention green space combine with Green Infrastructure.Taking the construction of the disaster prevention green infrastructure network planning of Majiagou River in Harbin as an example and put forward related strategies.

Bhubaneswar, a second tier state capital city of India, is currently undergoing a transformation from an administrative centre into a hub of economic activities, and experiencing all the associated turmoil one might expect as it struggles to meet the new demands of infrastructure and public utilities. There is a corresponding declining trend in the provision of open spaces as land availability is reduced. Additionally, the funds allocation for development of open spaces for recreational use is insufficient. This paper discusses the urban processes and associated impacts for the planning and provision of urban open spaces in the city. The provision of recreational open space is also examined with respect to the social and physical aspects of the city. The institutional infrastructure is discussed and a set of indicators are proposed for evaluation, planning and strategies for a comprehensive open space structure, by applying eco–city concepts and community based management.

Investigation of Adoption and Cognizance of Urban Green Spaces in India: Post COVID-19 Scenarios

Green open space is important in human life and sustainable urban development by providing economic, social, and environmental benefits. However, in the implementation of development, the existence of green open space often tends to be ignored. While this area has undergone physical improvements, the application of placemaking, a community-centered approach to public space design can significantly enhance the ecological and social value of this area. This study aims to examine government policies regarding the management of green open spaces in the Peunayong waterfront area of Banda Aceh City, assess their implementation in the field, and identify the challenges encountered during the policy’s execution. This study also explores how the application of placemaking can enhance the quality of green open spaces, strengthen community attachment, and build a unique identity in the waterfront area. Qualitative research methods are used with the approach of literature study and documentation analysis using secondary data from relevant journals and government policy documents. The study results indicate that, despite the government’s establishment of various policies and regulations to ensure the provision and management of green open spaces, the implementation in Banda Aceh City continues to encounter several obstacles. The main obstacles include limited land, human resources, and funds for managing and developing green open spaces. In addition, public awareness and coordination between government agencies are also challenges in optimizing the functions and benefits of green open spaces. This research is expected to add literature on government policies related to green open spaces and their implementation, as well as provide recommendations to improve the management of green open spaces in Banda Aceh City to support community welfare and environmental sustainability.

Background and Objectives: Cultural ecosystem services of urban green spaces are increasingly important and often recognized as such by people living in urban areas. Qualitative studies on perception of cultural ecosystem services from urban green spaces are still rare. Previous studies addressed only certain types of urban green space and often only some services. There is a lack of understanding how people perceive cultural ecosystem services from different types of tree-based urban green spaces. Hence, the purpose of the study was to explore whether and how people perceive and use cultural ecosystem services of different types of tree-based urban green spaces. Materials and Methods: Focus groups were conducted with citizens in each city district. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and transcripts analyzed in MAXQDA software. We used bottom up code-category-theme approach to analyze the data without predefined set of codes or categories. Results: Place attachment, aesthetic and recreational services were more recognized than educational and cultural identity services. For place attachment, most important single attributes were positive memories, and good maintenance, while most important categories were facilities, existence of emotional ties, possibility of experiences, recreational use and access. Presence of specific tree species and presence of trees in general were most important attributes for aesthetic services, while possibility of experiences and trees were the most important categories. Conclusions: People perceived various cultural ecosystem services from tree-based urban green space, even though some services more than others. Recreation may be the underlying goal of our participants when interacting with tree-based urban nature. Forests, parks were recognized as those providing multiple cultural ecosystem services. However, other types of green spaces were also recognized as bearers of these services, albeit with less services and attributes attached. It supports the importance of careful planning of urban green spaces in terms of providing a variety of green space types. The study provides basis for later quantification of cultural ecosystem services (CES) from tree-based urban green space.

Climate change is causing global environmental and social problems through its effects on the Earth's climate system, and cities are intensely feeling these impacts. This study aims to examine the sensitivity and vulnerability of open and green spaces in the city of Düzce to the effects of climate change, and to present strategies to mitigate this damage. Located in an area exposed to the effects of climate change, Düzce presents an important example in terms of the management and protection of open and green spaces. With its location exposed to the effects of climate change, Düzce presents an interesting example in terms of management and protection of open and green spaces. The scope of the study consists of methods such as field research, data analysis, and literature review to determine Düzce's climate characteristics and climate change effects. The open and green spaces of Düzce are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Climate change impacts such as extreme heat waves, heavy rainfall, flood risks, and drought in the city reveal that these areas are highly fragile. These effects can lead to significant problems in the areas in question. Therefore, local governments, planners, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, academic institutions, research centers, and local communities should work in collaboration to increase the region's resilience against climate change. In conclusion, determining management strategies suitable for Düzce's unique climate conditions can provide a roadmap for solving problems both for the city itself and for similar geographies.

Urban green open space is one of the assets that provide substantial benefits to the urban community. One important function of urban green open space is a function of ecology. This study will provide initial explanation on the various studies related to the ecological function of urban green open space. The study of urban space management approach related to ecological function will explain the extent of the role of stakeholders in the urban areas that will further strengthen the importance of the existence of green open space, especially in city of Depok. With so many problems related to the supply and use of green open space in the city of Depok. This approach was originally applied by the private sector and many applications made a great contribution, so it began to be used by the government in managing public assets there. This study will use descriptive method, at the beginning of the study will explain the existence of the reality of urban green open space as part of the urban space by viewing it from theoretical overview of space, function and role of the various problems that occur in it. The results of this study indicate there are six problems in the management of green open spaces in city of Depok. Using the stages in asset management will provide space for participation of existing stakeholders in the management of green open spaces in city of Depok.

PurposeThis paper aims to work toward a new approach in providing green open spaces in the middle of urban land in Indonesia that has been densely built up and on it has attached land rights. An approach is needed through a specific spatial policy that contains zoning regulations for the provision of public green open spaces on top of residential houses built on the green zoning plans.Design/methodology/approachThis approach considers an interconnected ecological holistic approach, as previously existing regulations have not normatively identified the green open space as an ecological landscape consisting of blue open spaces and several objects that function as green open spaces.FindingsIndonesia in terms of green open space for local climate instrument is still identified as one of the three lowest countries in Southeast Asia in the number of green open space areas. We found that the regulating process of development rights and property rights, in the construction of Indonesian law, still requires many alternative efforts to this day in providing urban green open spaces. The delivery of desired outcomes depends on the alternative policy as a form of legal politics in compensating planning and community interests through developing green open spaces in an ecoregion approach.Originality/valueThis writing was shaped by the understandings of the author with regards to the development of urban green open space regulating issues in Indonesia as one of the emerging country group in Asia and Jakarta as the second-most populous urban area in the world. This paper aims to work toward providing green urban open spaces in Indonesia that has been densely built up and on it has attached land rights, through a specific spatial policy that contains zoning regulations for the provision of public green open spaces on top of residential houses built on the green zoning plans.

Today, one in two people live in urban environments, and this number is expected to rise. Urban ecology is among the main concepts of the ecological urban planning agenda for cities where the consequences of global warming and climate change are increasing day by day. Urban open green spaces provide a variety of ecosystem services for city dwellers. It is important that green spaces are accessible, efficient, walkable and properly planned in the city. Within this framework, via the relevant theoretical evaluation, a conceptual framework was constructed to redefine the urban neighborhood green index. Regarding the existing definitions within the related literature, this developed index includes quantitative, qualitative and perceptual parameters and has been newly introduced to measure and analyze green spaces in a more comprehensive layout. There is also a need to establish an ecological approach to urban planning to increase the quantity and quality of urban green spaces in Cyprus, including in Northern Nicosia. Therefore, Northern Nicosia, with its three selected neighborhoods, was chosen as the study area. As the main methodology of the study, a thorough assessment of the quantitative component of the developed index with its four parameters of per-capita green space, proximity to green space, area percentages and type of green spaces is made. Maps from the Town Planning Department and satellite images from the Nicosia Turkish Municipality and GIS were used for this quantitative measurement. Based on the findings, it can be argued that the urban green spaces are not sufficient when assessed based on most of the parameters evaluated within the study to construct a comprehensive green space index. It was found that the green spaces in the city are accessible, being within 337 m, which is reasonable. However, there are very few active and accessible open green areas in these neighborhoods within the 300 and 500 m buffers, as a remarkable number of the green spaces, which are shown on the map, are in an abandoned condition. In addition, the amount of active green space per capita is 3.35 m2, which is well below the 9 m2 predicted by WHO. The area percentages of the neighborhoods are also below the required standards. Therefore, the findings show that Northern Nicosia can benefit by addressing these deficiencies to achieve a higher urban neighborhood green index. Furthermore, the theoretical model is efficient for the assessment of urban spaces at the neighborhood scale and can be used in other cities worldwide, especially in cities with a relatively low density. In sum, this study, which considered not only the quantitative parameters but also the qualitative and perceptual features, has the potential to expand scientific knowledge on measuring and analyzing urban neighborhood green spaces.

Major public health events pose a huge challenge to the sustainable improvement of city dwellers’ ecological well-being, hindering the achievement of urban ecological construction goals. In the context of resilient city and all-aged friendly city construction, age factor is given special consideration in urban green space management to meet the heterogeneous demands and preferences of city dwellers for urban ecological benefit. However, young, middle-age and elderly city dwellers’ utilization of urban green spaces during different periods of pandemic are poorly known. Meanwhile, insufficient discussion on the differences in ecological well-being contributions of different types of urban green spaces has led to difficulties in effectively connecting urban green space management planning with the city dwellers’ demands for ecological well-being. To help fill this gap, this study utilizes field study data on urban ecological construction and urban landscape and greening in Beijing from 2019 to 2023 to analyze the evolution and differences in utilization behaviors of urban green space among different age group city dwellers. Furthermore, this study applies the ordinary least square regression model (OLS) to explore the differences in the impact of various types of urban green space on the ecological well-being of city dwellers. The results revealed significant age effects in the utilization of urban green space during 2019–2023. It outlines the increased time spent in urban green space by younger city dwellers. In addition, the results demonstrated that the utilization behavior of park green space has a significant positive impact on the ecological well-being level of city dwellers, and the impact of utilization behavior on the ecological well-being level of city dwellers varies depending on the type of green space. Compared with community green space, the impact of park green space utilization behavior on the ecological well-being level of city dwellers is more significant. The conclusion from the main urban area of this Beijing case study contributes to the international discussion on urban green space management and urban green resilience governance in metropolitan areas worldwide as they add additional insights on the change and difference in the utilization behavior of urban green spaces, particularly looking at elderly, middle-aged and young city dwellers as well as the importance of a timely response to the heterogeneity preference of city dwellers’ ecological well-being demand.

Dead wood provides important ecosystem services and has a positive effect on biodiversity. However, urban environments have limited resources of coarse woody debris (CWD). The presence of CWD depends on both progressive tree mortality and the frequency and intensity of CWD removal for safety or aesthetic reasons, which can lead to variations in CWD occurrence. The aim of this study was to assess the variation in the quantity and quality of CWD in urban green spaces and to assess the relationship between CWD resources and management policy, ownership, economic parameters and factors accelerating tree mortality. Fallen logs, dead standing trees and dead tree branches (DTB) were surveyed on 488 sample plots selected at random in the city of Kraków (Poland). Distance to the river, coverage of impervious surfaces, environmental pollution, property prices and types of green space were used to explain the variation in CWD resources. CWD occurred on 46% of the sample plots. DTB were the most frequent form of CWD (44% of plots), while dead standing trees were rare (4%) and fallen logs absent. The prevalence of CWD was the highest in forest remnants, followed by private gardens, urban parks, fallow land and small green patches. DTB were the most abundant in the forest remnants. In both forest remnants and private gardens, the probability of CWD occurrence decreased with increasing property prices. Management policy and economy rather than factors accelerating tree mortality are suggested as shaping CWD resources in urban green spaces. The article highlights the importance of DTB as the most widespread form of CWD and forest remnants as the type of green space having the most abundant resources of CWD. Sustainable management of CWD resources within urban green spaces and environmental education are needed to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem services.