The spatiotemporal trends of urban-rural green spaces and their heterogeneous relationships with population and economic vitality: Evidence from the Red River Delta, Vietnam

Abstract

The preservation of green spaces in rapid urbanization emerges as a critical concern, posing a significant challenge in fostering green cities. This research centers on the Red River Delta, employing it as a case study to delve into the intricate interplay between population dynamics, economic vitality, and the maintenance of green spaces, elucidating nuanced effects discernible in urban and rural areas. This study utilizes the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to depict spatiotemporal changes in green space from 2009 to 2022. The results revealed a discernible decline in urban and rural green spaces in the first eight years and increased slightly afterwards. The results underscore the salient impact of economic and population factors on green space in rural locales, contrasting with the predominant role of population characteristics in urban settings. Specifically, immigration rates and population density emerge as pivotal determinants influencing green spaces in both contexts. The study discloses a heterogeneous association between green spaces and economic development, marked by a positive correlation in urban areas and a negative impact in rural expanses. Moreover, the implications of population and economic vitality on green spaces exhibit variability contingent upon the cities’ function. This research extends the scope of urban development theory. It contributes to the discourse on sustainable urban green development, offering empirical evidence derived from the distinctive context of the Red River Delta in Vietnam.