Pull and push factors for use of urban green spaces and priorities for their ecosystem services: Case study of Vilnius, Lithuania

Misiūnė, Ieva; Julian, Jason P.; Veteikis, Darijus

doi:10.1016/j.ufug.2020.126899

Cited by 35 publications

(39 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…The interconnection of socio-ecological structures in urban green areas may improve socio-environmental justice by focusing on ecosystem services (Enssle & Kabisch, 2020 ). The frequency of parks visits rises with a better quality of urban parks for human and environmental health (Misiune et al, 2021 ). The activity in green spaces determines advantages; walk reduces fatigue and sitting safer for restoring attention (Lin et al, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the role of urban green spaces for human well-being: a systematic review

2021

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Human has been evolving in a natural environment over a long time; thus, he is habitual to adapt it. Green spaces are obligatory landscapes in an urban structure that provide a natural environment and accelerate other life events. In contrast, unplanned urbanization, and conversion from green to grey structures have damaged natural environmental resources. Studies through different angles have highlighted the importance of urban green spaces for human well-being but now need to identify their role according to the potential. The demands of urban green spaces may differ with the change of population size, types of grey structure, urban expansion, the altitude of the place, and geographical location. Therefore, this systematic review aims to analyse the significance of urban green spaces for human wellbeing. The study opted for a systematic process during the selection and organization of studies for this review. After analysing, 46 studies were finalized with the consensus of three review authors. Accordingly, literature was analysed under the central theme of ''Urban Green Spaces for Human Well-being.'' Human Well-being was assessed under six subthemes; physical, psychological, mental, social, subjective, and environmental well-being. The review concluded that urban green spaces are the primary pillar for a sustainable urban place and human wellbeing due to highly positive and positive correlations. Moreover, the study did not find any demarcation line between green spaces and grey structures according to any specific need. Therefore, the study suggested that the role of urban green spaces for human well-being should be analysed according to their potential and required optimal ratio under different communities' urban specific environments and social behaviour.Keywords Urban green spaces Á Human well-being Á Environmental sustainability Á Social behaviour Introduction Urban Green Space is a sum of green paved, open and burial places, sports grounds, private gardens, formal and informal green forests, road verges, derelict land, and horticulture within a city (Duan et al., 2018;Wang & Akbari, 2016). Human life exists on the earth due to its suitable natural environment and other living

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the role of urban green spaces for human well-being: a systematic review

2021

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“…6 involves reduced alcohol consumption near GI. This may relate to the capacity of green spaces for diverting attention from evasive behaviours like alcohol consumption, since they encourage motivation and self-control for activities such as running, walking, observing nature, relaxing, enjoying fresh air and social interactions ( Misiune et al, 2021 ). The association between alcohol consumption and mental health has been documented extensively ( Boden and Fergusson, 2011 ; Boschloo et al, 2012 ; Hartka et al, 1991 ; Wang and Patten, 2001 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spatial statistical analysis of the relationship between self-reported mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown and closeness to green infrastructure

Jato-Espino

Moscardó

Rodríguez

et al. 2022

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening

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The COVID-19 pandemic has produced alterations in the behaviour and psychological health of people, who have had to learn living under uncertain circumstances escaping their control. This situation has been aggravated in those countries applying strict home confinement rules to try bending their epidemic curve. This is the case of Spain, where the stringent lockdown period was extended over three months. This study aimed at proving a research hypothesis whereby living close to Green Infrastructure (GI) during the confinement period was beneficial for mental health. To this end, La Palma (Canary Islands) and Zaragoza (Peninsular Spain) were taken as case studies, since both locations distributed a questionnaire to address citizenry’s self-reported mental health under strict lockdown conditions. A spatial statistical analysis of the responses collected by these questionnaires revealed that variables such as stress, anger, medication use, alcohol consumption or visits to the doctor significantly decreased if citizens were close to GI, whereas people having very high expectations of enjoying the city after the confinement were positively correlated to proximity of green areas. Although these outcomes are limited by the inferential capacity of correlation analysis, they point out to a sense of relief derived from having visual contact with vegetated landscapes and feeling stimulated about using them for recreation, aesthetical or sporting purposes. The joint consideration of these psychological gains with the social and environmental benefits provided by GI emphasizes the importance of approaching urban regeneration through the design and implementation of interconnected green spaces.

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“…In previous studies, it has been extensively documented that GSs within the urban environment play a crucial role in the well-being of urban citizens (Ma et al 2019 ; Kothencz et al 2017 ; Carrus et al 2015 ). Within urban ecosystems, urban parks are considered significant ecosystems, as they provide various services, such as air purification, water purification, the reduction of noise and wind, the regulation of micro-climate, habitat for wildlife, and social and psychological well-being of urban citizens (Jennings et al 2016 ; Sun et al 2019 ; Misiune et al 2021 ). Urban citizens benefit from urban parks, and the presence of GSs enhances their quality of life (Kabisch and Haase 2014 ), e.g., through the alleviation of mental stress (Braubach et al 2017 ; Tsai et al 2018 ) and the improvement of mental well-being (Wang et al 2019 ; Du et al 2021 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the pattern of use and accessibility of urban green spaces: evidence from a coastal desert megacity in Saudi Arabia

Addas

2022

Environ Sci Pollut Res

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Urban green spaces (UGSs) provide various ecosystem services (ESs) that directly and indirectly enhance people’s well-being. However, in the Saudi context, the assessment role of UGSs (such as urban parks and gardens) and their use and accessibility has remained unexplored. This study aims to assess the use and accessibility of five urban parks in the Jeddah megacity of Saudi Arabia from diversified perspectives. Data were collected through a primary survey and questionnaire method using a social preference approach (SPA). Correlation analysis and factor analysis were performed to assess the relationship between activities and services (benefits) provided by urban parks and to examine their most significant benefits. A Kruskal–Wallis (K–S test) test was performed to determine significant differences in the perceived valuations of park benefits. A benefit dominancy index (BDI) was also developed to determine which urban parks provide the most benefit. The findings of the study showed that (i) the urban parks were mostly used for spending time with relatives (partners) and friends, followed by mental refreshment and relaxation, physical activity, and spending time with children; (ii) there are substantial seasonal variations in park visits in the Jeddah megacity; (iii) socio-demographic attributes largely affect the use of urban parks; and (iv) there are also substantial discrepancies between importance and performance related to urban management strategies. Thus, the findings of this study show that city planners and policy makers must focus on the enhancement of UGSs for the well-being of urban citizens.

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Pull and push factors for use of urban green spaces and priorities for their ecosystem services: Case study of Vilnius, Lithuania

Cited by 35 publications

References 74 publications

Assessing the role of urban green spaces for human well-being: a systematic review

Assessing the role of urban green spaces for human well-being: a systematic review

Spatial statistical analysis of the relationship between self-reported mental health during the COVID-19 lockdown and closeness to green infrastructure

Exploring the pattern of use and accessibility of urban green spaces: evidence from a coastal desert megacity in Saudi Arabia

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