Green Space Management Research Articles

From hard coal mining to a learning space for digitally supported participatory management of biodiversity

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the conversion of the former coal mining site in Kamp-Lintfort into a public park and learning space for biodiversity. In 2020, an urban green space was established, featuring various aquatic and terrestrial habitats and a high level of biological diversity in the city centre with broad community support. Design/methodology/approach This study presents secondary data of a literature review on participatory management of biodiversity in urban green spaces, with a focus on the sustainability context, participation approaches, theoretical frameworks and the role of education. The example of Zechenpark Kamp-Lintfort (Germany) shows how urban green space development can meet the challenging demands of inner city development while fostering knowledge generation via citizen science and participatory biodiversity management. The study collected primary data on plant biodiversity using a citizen science approach to raise awareness and create opportunities for human–nature interaction. Findings Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 is the most important development goal in the context of participatory biodiversity management of urban green spaces. Most of the studies have a place-based focus and integration of local knowledge is the main reason for a participatory approach. The findings show how a green learning space can offer opportunities for digital learning as well as participatory biodiversity management in urban areas. The project lead to an increase in local citizens’ awareness of biodiversity. Based on a literature review, this report identifies challenges and opportunities for establishing a green learning space for biodiversity education. The example illustrates that an urban green space can provide numerous possibilities for citizens and students to get involved and that it can foster the sustainable development of a new urban neighbourhood. Research limitations/implications A place-based approach limits generalisability. To overcome this limitation, a literature review was conducted, and the location was compared to two parks with similar site conversion history. Practical implications The example of developing an urban green space can inspire universities to take an active role in biodiversity management in urban green spaces, integrating biodiversity into university activities and creating a positive impact in the urban environment. Social implications Analysis of studies in the field shows that education deserves a more prominent role in theoretical frameworks. Originality/value The study represents an example of transition and citizen-led participatory management of biodiversity from a medium-sized city, transformation processes covering these aspects are underrepresented in literature.

Thermal Comfort and Green Spaces: The Role of Temperature-Regulating Elements in Neighborhood Parks

According to current studies, the thermal effects of global warming will affect urban areas more intensely. In the face of this situation, strategies for the improvement and management of urban green spaces are becoming increasingly important in sustainable landscape design. These strategies promote social sustainability by positively affecting individuals’ physical and psychological well-being, taking into consideration ecological sustainability. Projections regarding global warming emphasize that the density of hardscapes and green spaces, the selection of plant species, and the distribution of plants considered within the scope of this study should be taken into account. This research was conducted in the Görükle neighborhood of Bursa, focusing on the role of temperature-regulating elements in 14 neighborhood parks. Systematic temperature measurements were carried out in the research area on the 10th, 20th, and 30th of July and August, specifically between 12:00 and 13:00, during peak temperature hours. The presence of parks that are close to each other and relatively far away from each other in the study area was seen as advantageous to filter the effects of plant differences in similar conditions. Furthermore, evaluating these various factors together highlights the multifaceted nature of thermal comfort. Designated temperature measurement points included three points (hard surfaces and hard surfaces surrounded by vegetation and planted green spaces) in each park. An analysis utilizing SPSS and the RayMan program revealed that parks with a softscape to hardscape ratio of approximately two to one experienced temperature reductions of 2.5 to 3 °C. Furthermore, the findings indicate that coniferous trees have a more significant impact on thermal comfort compared to deciduous trees. The significant differences identified in this study underscore essential considerations for urban design processes aimed at achieving sustainability.

Assessment and Dynamic Prediction of Green Space Ecological Service Value in Guangzhou City, China

As an important part of the urban ecosystem, urban green space provides a variety of ecosystem services, including climate regulation, soil conservation, carbon sink and oxygen release, and biodiversity protection. However, existing remote sensing evaluation methods for ecological service value lack the evaluation indicators of ecosystem service value for Guangzhou, China, and the evaluation method depends on the land cover type. Based on remote sensing technology and random forest algorithm, this study addresses these gaps by integrating remote sensing technology with a random forest algorithm to enhance the accuracy and rationality of ESV assessments. Focusing on Guangzhou, China, we improved the ecological service value evaluation system and conducted dynamic predictions based on land-use change scenarios. Our results indicate that the total ESV of Guangzhou’s green space was USD 7.323 billion in 2020, with a projected decline to USD 6.496 billion by 2030, representing a 12.37% reduction due to urbanization-driven land-use changes. This research highlights the noticeable role of green spaces in urban sustainability and provides robust, data-driven insights for policymakers to design more effective green space protection and management strategies. The improved assessment framework offers a novel approach for accurately quantifying urban ecosystem services and predicting future trends.

Exploring the correlation between tree structure characteristics and carbon storage in historic gardens using TLS technology: a case study of Jian Xin Pavilions at Jingyi Park, Fragrant Hills Park

Historic gardens contain a greater number and variety of ancient trees, which are older, have unique forms, and larger volumes. These trees hold significant value in both natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. However, current research on the carbon sequestration value of ancient and non-ancient trees in historical gardens is relatively lacking. Based on the unique morphology and carbon storage estimation needs of ancient trees in historic gardens, this paper proposes a morphology-based point cloud single-tree segmentation method. This method can precisely extract the morphological structures of various tree species and accurately estimate their carbon storage. From the perspective of carbon sequestration, it evaluates the correlation between the structural characteristics and carbon storage of trees in historic gardens, as well as the potential changes in their carbon storage capacity.Using the Jing Yi Park’s Jian Xin Pavilions in Fragrant Hills Park as a case study, this method was applied to extract structural indicators of 116 ancient and non-ancient trees. The total carbon storage was found to be 19,171.13 kg, with an average carbon storage of 165.27 kg per tree. Among these, ancient trees accounted for 13,178.32 kg, or 68.74% of the total carbon storage. The study revealed that the correlation between tree age and carbon storage varied by species, and there were significant positive correlations between carbon storage and tree height, DBH, and canopy volume. Notably, there was a significant linear growth trend between DBH, canopy volume, and carbon storage. By 2030, the total carbon storage is projected to increase to 21,924.96 kg, with an annual average increase of 393.40 kg, representing a growth rate of 14.4%.The results indicate that studying the correlation between structural characteristics and carbon storage of aged trees in historical gardens can shed light on the important role of trees in sustainable carbon sequestration. The precise extraction of tree information through 3D digital technology and the prediction of carbon storage potential not only offer new perspectives for the conservation of cultural heritage in historical gardens, urban microclimate planning and design, and spatial management of carbon sinks and emissions but also have significant value for promoting the scientific management and protection of urban green spaces.

Comparing the accuracy of 3D urban olive tree models detected by smartphone using LiDAR sensor, photogrammetry and NeRF: a case study of ’Ascolana Tenera’ in Italy

Abstract. Rapid urban growth makes green space management crucial to improve citizens’ well-being. Urban olive trees characterize the Italian landscapes and their culture. This study explores different methodologies for urban tree assessment in this context, using an iPhone 14 Pro Max. These included: 1) its integrated Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor using the Recon3D app, 2) its camera with Structure from Motion (SfM) techniques, and 3) its camera for generating 3D models using Neural Radiance Fields (NeRF). Additionally, a professional Mobile Laser Scanner (MLS), was used for comparison. Total height (H), canopy base height (CBH) and canopy volume (CV) measurements were extracted using both CloudCompare and allometric formulas. The main aim of this paper is to compare the 3D models of olive trees obtained from low-cost sensors with those generated from the MLS, which is a more accurate device but comes with significantly higher costs. The results, in terms of RMSE (iPhone LiDAR - H: 0.46 m, CBH: 0.12 m, CV: 15.66 m3; iPhone-SfM - H: 0.95 m, CBH: 0.19 m, CV: 25.85 m3; iPhone-NeRF - H: 1.26 m, CBH: 0.31 m, CV: 33.79 m3), bias and volume differences, reveal that the smartphone, in all the methodologies, tends to underestimate measurements as the size of the trees increases. This is due to the higher MLS range of acquisition. Despite these limitations, low-cost solutions like smartphone-based methods can be a viable alternative given their economic accessibility.

Public Satisfaction in the Management and Use of Green Open Space in Manado City, North Sulawesi Province

The community has the right to utilize public open spaces. Therefore, the government has the responsibility to provide public open spaces and provide supporting facilities that can be used by the community according to their designation. Manado City in implementing Law Number 26 of 2007 has provided public open spaces for the community. The availability of public open spaces has been utilized by the community for sports activities, recreation or simply interacting with others. The open spaces that are often used by the people of Manado City besides the Blessing Park and the coastal reclamation park are also the Sparta Tikala Field, the Wenang National Unity Park, and the KONI Sario Field. However, in its management and utilization, several complaints are still found from the community. This study was conducted to identify and analyze community satisfaction in the management and use of green open spaces in Manado City. The research design used is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data were obtained by conducting interviews with the community who use green open spaces and the managers of green open spaces. Observations were made by visiting the existing green open spaces directly and observing all the facilities available and the activities carried out by the community when they were in the green open space. Secondary data collection was conducted by utilizing Google Scholar and ResearchGate to obtain references that can support the achievement of research objectives. Data analysis was conducted using the stages of data reduction,

Growing green: Exploring the drivers of citizens’ participation in Italian urban and peri-urban forestation governance

Urban and peri-urban forests (UPUFs) are essential components of urban landscapes that offer multiple benefits to local communities, above all to those who live in large cities. This realization has fueled the interest of the scientific community in understanding citizens’ attitudes and perceptions towards UPUFs, focusing on the diverse ecosystem services they provide in social and environmental terms. However, less attention has been paid to the citizens’ perceptions and attitudes about UPUFs in relation to their willingness to participate in their governance. This quantitative study aims to address this gap by identifying the main factors that affect citizens’ participation in UPUFs governance. Conducted in large Italian Metropolitan Functional Urban Areas, composed of a city and its commuting zone, with a population above 500,000 inhabitants, this study provides valuable insights into citizens’ willingness to participate in UPUFs governance. Results indicate that citizens' socio-demographic factors (especially education, age, and income) and the frequency of visits impact their perception of UPUFs. High positive perceptions of environmental quality and low perceptions of the negative impact of UPUFs promote active participation in governance, especially among young citizens with heightened green space sensitivity, among those dissatisfied with current green space management and those advocating for effective communication campaigns. These findings can provide a practicable scientific reference for municipalities to refine their corresponding decision-making and communication, and to devise effective urban forest programs.

Exploring the negative perceptions of tree-based urban green space. People's behaviour and management are crucial

Studies dealing with services and benefits of urban green space are overrepresented compared to those addressing disservices, perceived constraints and other negative perceptions. Even when focusing on disservices and perceived constraints, the studies often take into account only a limited number of reasons for the negative perception. In this study we conducted a series of focus group interviews with the members of the public in the city of Zagreb (Croatia) with the goal of grasping the variety of reasons for negative perception, providing classification of those perceptions and exploring whether and how the perception is related to sociodemographic characteristics. Participants mostly discussed negative perceptions due to the behaviour of other users and perceived inadequate management of urban green space, while the least about the perception of safety. Tree disservices accounted only for a small portion of overall reasons for the negative perception. Age, gender, household income, employment status, number of preschool children and the length of living in Zagreb proved statistically significant for the perception, while education was not. Focus groups as a method enabled cataloguing the variety of reasons for negative perception. Understanding the range of reasons leading to the negative public perception of urban green space contributes to better planning, management and meeting public needs and expectations.

Empowering the Muhammadiyah Kemasan Branch Community: Greening the Environment with Food Plants and Toga

Ranting Muhammadiyah Kemasan, in collaboration with KKNT-T students, focuses on community empowerment and environmental improvement at Masjid Al-Muhtadin. The main challenges are the lack of green space and poor waste management. The program consists of three stages: Observation, Implementation, and Maintenance. The observation stage identifies environmental issues such as disorganized construction materials and insufficient green areas. Implementation includes planting ornamental and TOGA plants and providing waste bins for organic and inorganic waste separation. Maintenance involves watering and educating the community on cleanliness. As a result, the aesthetics and comfort of the mosque environment have improved, TOGA plants offer long-term benefits, and community awareness of mosque cleanliness has increased, strengthening collective responsibility.

Dog swimming and ectoparasiticide water contamination in urban conservation areas: A case study on Hampstead Heath, London

Widespread occurrence of two ectoparasiticide compounds in the aquatic environment, imidacloprid and fipronil, have prompted concerns about their potential environmental impacts. However, very little focus has been placed on water bodies in urban green spaces used for dog swimming. In this study, occurrence of both substances on Hampstead Heath, London, was compared in ponds with (n = 3) and without dog swimming activity (n = 3), as well as connecting streams above, between, and below these ponds (n = 6). Imidacloprid and fipronil were detected at main swimming points in dog swimming ponds at mean concentrations of 309 ± 104 ng/L and 32 ± 13 ng/L, respectively, indicating a high environmental risk in all samples. Measured concentrations in ponds not accessible for dog swimming were either below the limits of detection or limits of quantification for both chemicals. Across all ponds, there was a strong positive correlation between measured dog swimming activities and concentrations of imidacloprid (R2 = 0.91) and fipronil (R2 = 0.79). Some contamination was detected in connecting streams between ponds. A wider chemical analysis for the presence of urban waste water chemical residue signatures indicated minimal contamination, including in source waters. A survey of visitors who allow their dogs to swim in the sampled ponds confirmed frequent use of products containing imidacloprid and fipronil. In total, 86 % of 101 dog owners were unaware of the potential environmental impacts of products, and 94 % indicated that protecting nature would be an important consideration when selecting products. Besides the current practice of limiting dog access to ponds, information collected on product use and dog swimming practices identified additional opportunities to reduce contamination. We suggest that more cooperation between industry, regulators, veterinarians, green space managers, and the public can reduce risks to urban biodiversity while maintaining recreational benefits for dog owners and dogs.

Short-Term Growth Dynamics of Spontaneous and Planted Vegetation on Subtropical Extensive Green Roof as Renaturalized Biotope

Spontaneous vegetation within a managed green space is often regarded as unwelcoming and insignificant weeds. This perception is still deep-rooted among green-space managers and the general public worldwide; they are generally uncertain about the management needs after allowing these groups of flora to take root. The short-term growth dynamics of both spontaneous and planted vegetation should be analyzed, and a widely acceptable, feasible management plan to balance aesthetic and ecological functions should be formulated with the backing of data and analysis for such fast-growing flora in tropical and subtropical regions. A manicured, extensive green roof with only seven (two native, five exotic) plant species was transformed into a renaturalized biotope by replacing 15 native ferns and forb species over 15 months. After planting, a baseline plant survey was conducted, with 54 plant species representing spontaneous growth and 14 planted species alive (7 planted native species survived, plus 7 species planted prior to renaturalization revived). Three quarterly plant surveys recorded the cover-abundance of each species, and the growth dynamics of the planted and spontaneous plant species were evaluated over the first year of study. During each quarterly survey, the number of planted and spontaneous plant species remained stable (ranging from 14 to 16 species and 51 to 54 species, respectively), with a constant turnover of 11 to 12 die-out species and 11 to 12 newly colonized or revived species. Plant coverage of different plant forms fluctuated slightly (within 7%) in the quarterly surveys according to seasonal changes, except for ferns, which outperformed (12% increase in coverage in a year) all the other plant forms. The height of the planted vegetation fluctuated in a year, being shorter during the summer, while the height of spontaneous vegetation remained stable throughout the year, exhibiting resilience to scouring heat. The seasonal growth tendencies of both planted and spontaneous plants were illustrated in relation to their species ranks, and further hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted for the clustering of spontaneous species. Their differential growth patterns provided comprehensive information or supported decisions regarding plant selection and maintenance, which is a scientific novelty within this unexplored topic. Management recommendations based on the findings were suggested to fulfill both aesthetic and ecological needs. Species with stable and less stable growth patterns could be useful to meet maintenance efficiency and biodiversity enhancement needs, respectively. These findings provide insights to form guiding principles for choosing plant species for renaturalization projects.

Evaluating urban biodiversity: Effectiveness of citizen science driven species distribution models in urban ecosystems

Citizen science (CS) and remote sensing (RS) approaches have become more reliable, thus providing higher resolution and generating a large amount of environmental data. When considering urban environments, where fragmented and highly diverse landscapes are predominant, the combination of citizen science data and remote sensing techniques with species distribution models (SDM) can play a vital role in comprehensively investigating and evaluating urban biodiversity. However, citizen science derived species distribution models for multiple avian species in dense and fragmented urban areas are rarely used. The study aims (I) to elaborate, whether CS driven SDMs can be effectively used in spatially complex urban environments; (II) to identify biodiversity hotspots and prioritize areas for nature conservation and (III) to examine, if existing protective areas correspond to species’ hotspots. Therefore, Citizen science-based datasets of 26 breeding bird species over three years were obtained for this analysis in Germany’s Ruhr Metropolis. Quality assurance, data thinning, and pseudo-absence simulations were performed. Spatial data from the ecosystem LiDAR project GEDI (Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation), climate data from the German Weather Service, and land use information from Copernicus were used as environmental predictors. Eleven different species distri-bution models (SDMs) were trained on species subselection by using Biomod2 for preliminary analysis. Overall model performance was evaluated via several metrics, including TSS (true skill statistics) and ROC (receiver operating characteristic). Finally, four species distribution models were used for ensemble modelling. Subsequently, a species richness analysis was performed with the aim of identifying spots with high avian biodiversity. Overall, the CS-derived SDMs performed well, with high predictive power for all of the investigated species. Within the Ruhr Metropolis, approximately 6% (250 km²) of the terrain was identified as being highly suitable for avian diversity, inhabiting at least 17 out of 26 species. Predominantly within the core urban areas, high species richness was predicted on preserved brownfields and revitalized mine sites, as well as in the remnants of formerly demarcated regional greenbelts. Additionally, regions outside of the core area, which are part of the overarching biotope network framework, proved to have high species richness capabilities for avian biodiversity. These findings aid in optimizing urban development concepts and (sub)urban green space management with respect to urban biodiversity conservation. Following the implications of the recently established Regional Biodiversity Strategy in the Ruhr Metropolis, this analysis demonstrates the importance of networked green spaces, their preservation and the need to close existing network gaps within the Ruhr Metropolis.

Strangler fig–host tree associations: Insights into the ecology and management of tropical urban green spaces

Societal Impact StatementThe strangler fig is known for its hemiepiphytic growth form and conspicuous strangling behavior in the tropics worldwide. It also plays an important role in providing ecological functions in tropical urban ecosystems. This study reveals strangler figs tend to colonize large trees with suitable microsites in a large tropical botanical garden and cause some negative effects on their hosts. We advocate balanced management strategies considering ecological functions, potential risks, and overall values of stranglers and their hosts. These results provide a scientific basis for us to develop better practices for plant management in urban green spaces (especially botanical gardens with high plant biodiversity) in tropical urban ecosystems.Summary Strangler figs colonize trees in tropical cities, which contribute to a unique urban ecology and enrich local ecological functions. Understanding ecological associations between strangler figs and their host trees can improve green space management in tropical urban ecosystems. We investigated 9282 trees growing in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden and then analyzed the diversity, characteristics, and network of strangler figs and their host trees. We found 13 strangler fig species (319 individuals) widely colonized 67 host species, with palm hosts bearing 52% of all strangler individuals. Strangler figs had a high colonization rate in large trees with appropriate microsites (e.g., persistent palm petioles and the fork of mature trees with rough trunks). Leaf nitrogen and phosphorus content of hosts decreased significantly after strangler figs' aerial roots had entered the ground. The strangler–host network was characterized by relatively high specialization and low nestedness, and simulated management of strangler figs on large hosts and palm hosts could simplify the strangler–host network. Strangler fig colonization can be managed. Planting trees with large diameters at breast height and rough bark can increase the colonization of stranglers, while cutting off aerial roots can inhibit their establishment. The epiphytic stage is the best time to manage strangler figs. We recommend taking into consideration the trade‐offs among ecological functioning, human safety, and the multifaceted value of strangler figs and their host trees and thereby implementing comprehensive management strategies tailored to different contexts for improving green space management in the tropics.

Green spaces in Ghana’s built environment: Analyzing perceptions and urban planning perspectives through the lens of the New Environmental Paradigm

In the busy world of city growth, urban green spaces in Ghana are befallen with destruction due to urbanization. Using a cross-sectional design and case-studying Damongo and Kintampo, this study assessed the perceptions of urban residents and urban planning perspectives about green spaces in enhancing the environmental condition of fast-growing urban areas, and proposed guidelines for the managing green spaces within Ghana’s built environment. The results revealed that underutilization and insufficient funding for greenspace management increase vulnerability to urban encroachment, especially during inward city growth. Again, the exhaustion of the limited resources of the earth could have repercussions for the population of the earth; however, the need for such resources and the level of poverty influences poor environmental decisions. Further, the results showed that planning for urban green and open space ought to be decided at the local level. The study, therefore, recommends a collaborative approach involving city authorities, private sectors, and the public for effective green space management, emphasizing inclusive decision-making and active preservation, and the development of local standards within a national framework, guided by an urban green spaces protection scheme.

Management Strategy for Public Green Open Spaces in Medan City Using SWOT Analysis

Medan City, the third-largest city in Indonesia, faces significant challenges in managing its public green open spaces (RTH) due to high population density, rapid urbanization, and insufficient green space, which falls far short of the 30% mandated by law. This research assesses the management of public green spaces in Medan through a SWOT analysis, revealing internal strengths such as a Regional Spatial Plan and government commitment, alongside weaknesses like suboptimal management, lack of coordination between agencies, and inadequate regulations. External factors, including opportunities from NGO funding and potential land acquisition, contrast with threats like rapid population growth and misuse of green spaces. Through data collection methods, including focus group discussions, questionnaires, and interviews with key stakeholders, the research identified key areas for improvement in green space management. Strategic recommendations include strengthening policies, increasing public awareness, optimizing cross-sector collaboration, and promoting sustainable urban planning. Additionally, leveraging green spaces for economic growth through multifunctional uses can enhance their value to the community. This study concludes that public green open spaces in Medan City can contribute significantly to sustainable urban development and environmental balance if managed more effectively, with better coordination, stronger regulations, and resource allocation. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for urban planners and policy makers in achieving urban sustainability goals.

Urban Greening Management Arrangements between Municipalities and Citizens for Effective Climate Adaptation Pathways: Four Case Studies from The Netherlands

The transition towards nature-based cities has increasingly become a central focus in political–environmental agendas and urban design practices, aiming to enhance climate adaptation, urban biodiversity, spatial equilibrium, and social well-being as part of the ongoing socio-ecological urban transition process. Climate adaptation in cities is a complex problem and one of the main collective challenges for society, but the relationships between city managers and citizens as to urban green care still face many challenges. Parks design guided by technical-expert and globalised criteria; inflexibility from bureaucratic inertia; and citizens’ demands to participate in the urban green transition, sometimes without the necessary knowledge or time, are some of the challenges that require further research. In this study, we examine four long-lasting approaches to green-space management in four cities in the Netherlands, ranging from municipality-driven to community-driven management forms, and encompassing diverse spatial configurations of greenery within the urban fabric. Utilising the theoretical lens of the Social–Ecological Systems Framework, we employ a multiple-case-study approach and ethnographic fieldwork analysis to gain a comprehensive understanding of the norms, collective-choice rules, and social conventions embodied in each urban green management arrangement. The purpose of this research is applied, that is, to provide urban managers and decision-makers with a deeper understanding of drivers to promote effective collaborative management approaches, focusing on specific organisational rules that may contribute to more sustained planning and maintenance pathways for urban green spaces, regardless of changes in political leadership or significant external funding sources. The results of the investigated cases show that long-lasting collaborative management of forests and parks has established a set of collective-choice rules for resource transfer between municipalities and citizens, including non-monetary resources (such as pruning-training courses or guided tours that attract tourists and researchers). Additionally, these arrangements have been favoured by the existence of legal norms that enable co-ownership of the land, and monitoring and sanctioning mechanisms that offer a slightly different interpretation from the evidence identified so far in the scientific literature on collective resource management and organisational studies.

Biodiversity preservation in German higher education institutions: existing approaches, challenges and future developments

Purpose This paper aims to explore the current stage of biodiversity preservation in higher education institutions (HEIs), using samples from German universities and investigating three different dimensions, namely, existing approaches, challenges and future developments. Design/methodology/approach Semistructured expert interviews were conducted with employees from 14 German Universities. To analyze the data, both deductive and inductive methods of content analysis were conducted to systematically code the results. Findings This research shows that efforts for biodiversity preservation are frequently made in the areas of student and staff initiatives, green space management, as well as in research and teaching. However, German HEIs face numerous hurdles such as interest conflict, lack of prioritization and financial restrictions, some of which are difficult to overcome. In the future, HEIs should seek a deeper integration of biodiversity into curricula to further raise biodiversity awareness. Research limitations/implications This study provides practical implications by providing good practices, which can serve as a guide for implementing measures for biodiversity preservation. By understanding the struggles and future expectations, stakeholders and policymakers could promote targeted measures and relevant policies to advance biodiversity initiatives at and beyond universities. Moreover, the research shows the importance of involving students and staff actively in the planning and executing stage for biodiversity preservation through initiatives to achieve green campuses. Originality/value The paper presents an essential research field which is still in its earlier stage. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study that focuses on German Universities in this context. This study adds value in providing in-depth insights into this topic to raise awareness of biodiversity preservation in both practice and research.

Research on Digital Greening Management of Smart Gardens in Chenggong District, Kunming City

With the rapid urbanization in China, city scales have expanded, bringing numerous management challenges. The continuous expansion of urban green spaces highlights the difficulty of adapting traditional urban garden management to complex conditions. The solution lies in using AI and big data for smart city management, specifically termed 'Smart Gardens'. This system integrates modern information technology into daily urban garden management. Through platform management systems, it enables comprehensive planning, construction, maintenance, supervision, and service of urban green spaces. This ensures real-time data updates, visualized management, and dynamic services. This digital transformation is essential. This paper analyzes the current issues and future development strategies of digitalized garden management in Chenggong District, Kunming. Through literature review, field research, and data collection, it aims to enhance the green space management in Chenggong District and other regions.

How do species richness and colour diversity of plants affect public perception, preference and sense of restoration in urban green spaces?

Urban development has led to an overlap between natural and artificial environments, affecting individuals’ experiences with nature. To create high-quality urban natural environments, it is crucial to understand the residents’ perceptions, preferences and psychophysical health benefits concerning biodiversity. This study, employing various experimental designs, investigated the perceptions, preferences and restorative experiences of 695 participants concerning different levels of plant species richness and colour diversity in four typical urban green space types (lawn, forest, square and streetscape). The following discoveries were made: (i) The colour diversity carried by vegetation in lawns was an important basis for the public to identify plant diversity. Lawns with high richness achieved by different grass species (that have green colour) were not preferred by the public, and increased colour diversity that can be achieved by adding flowering plants (forbs) was preferred by people more than a single green lawn. The species richness of forests was positively correlated with public perception, preference and perceived restoration, with single green forests being preferred by the public. Additionally, people preferred vegetated environments over unvegetated squares or streetscapes. (ii) Participants’ perceptions, preferences and perceived restoration were positively correlated. Their preference for and perceived restoration from plant diversity depended more on their perception of it than on the actual species richness. (iii) Participants’ gender, expertise, physical condition, ecological knowledge, childhood living environment, frequency of use and accessibility of green spaces, natural orientation (connectedness), gardening, sense of security and well-being all influenced their perceptions, preferences and perceived restoration from plant diversity to varying extents. Significant distinctions were found between different forms of experimental design. Combining between-subject and within-subject designs could both control individual errors to some extent and avoid long-term effects on the participants compared to using either design alone. These findings provide a theoretical basis and practical approach for future biodiversity-oriented urban green space planning and management to better maximise the ecological and social service benefits of urban green spaces.

Peri-Urban and Urban Green Space Management and Planning: The Case of Thessaloniki, Greece

Peri-Urban and Urban Green Space Management and Planning: The Case of Thessaloniki, Greece