Urban-greenery demands are affected by perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices, and socio-demographic and environmental-cultural factors

Abstract

Public perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices of urban greenery are critical for urban greening policies. However, few studies have explored the association between perceptions and urban-greenery demands. Using questionnaires, we surveyed 467 Hong Kong residents on a range of 68 ecosystem services and 38 disservices. Principal component analysis extracted nine factors for services and six factors for disservices. Respondents most strongly agreed with statements about the role of urban greenery in temperature and air pollution regulation, recreation, and general well-being services. The top-rated disservices were harmful plants, tree failure, and environmental hygiene issues. The perceptions were shaped by several personal background variables (including socio-demographic and environmental-cultural factors). Correlation of two indicators of urban-greenery demands, namely desired minimum greening coverage in the built-up part of the city (City-greening) and willingness-to-pay (WTP) to improve neighbourhood greenery, i.e., greenery of one’s living areas (WTP-greening), with greenery perceptions and personal background, were investigated by regression models. The extent of agreement of some services and disservices were significant predictors of City-greening, while socio-demographic factors exerted more influence on WTP-greening. Education level was a robust predictor in all WTP-greening models, while income level did not predict the positive WTP amount. Living environment and residence type were also significant predictors in different models. The linkage of personal background with urban-greenery perceptions and the differential effects of various factors on urban-greenery demands provide policy implications to maximize public benefits and secure public support for urban greening.