Sprawl matters: the evolution of fringe land, natural amenities and disposable income in a Mediterranean urban area

Abstract

We investigate the relationship between land-use changes (1987–2007) and the spatial distribution of the average declared income of resident population in a southern European metropolitan region (Athens, Greece) as a contribution to the analysis of sub-urbanization processes in the Mediterranean region. To demonstrate that urban expansion is accompanied with multiple modifications in the use of the surrounding non-urban land,\ud we developed a computational approach based on spatial indexes of landscape configuration and proximity as a result of changes in the local socio-spatial structure. Diversity in the use of land surrounding built-up parcels in the Athens’ metropolitan region increased significantly between 1987 and 2007, reflecting a progressive fragmentation of the exurban landscape. The percentage of forests and (high-quality) natural land surrounding built-up parcels increased from 8.1 to 9.4 % between 1987 and 2007. The reverse pattern was observed for (low-quality) sparsely vegetated areas, declining from 65 to 47 %. Large built-up parcels were surrounded by a higher percentage of natural land than small parcels.\ud The largest increase over time in forest and natural land surrounding built-up parcels was observed in municipalities with high per capita declared income, and the reverse pattern was observed for sparse vegetation. Our results demonstrate that scattered urban expansion determines a polarization in suburban areas with high-quality and low-quality natural amenities. Sprawl increases economic inequality and socio-spatial disparities contributing to a spatially unbalanced distribution of natural amenities with higher consumption of high-quality lan

Socio-Economic Models to Assess and Policy Instruments to Steer the Impact of Nature-Based Solutions: A Review

“…Hence, urbanization is considered the main responsible phenomenon for natural space degradation in cities and is increasing the demand for green spaces [20], [21]. Nature-based solutions (NBS) are a recent concept emerging in European contexts that are considered solutions to increase cities' resilience, defined by the European Commission as "solutions that are inspired and supported by nature, which are cost-effective, simultaneously provide environmental, social and economic benefits and help build resilience" [22], [23].…”

“…Therefore, NBS can be considered attractive features or amenities that influence citizens' residential location, as households care about the quantity and quality of natural environment surrounding their living spaces to benefit from their ecosystem services. Ergo, having a potential impact on the urban configuration, namely urban sprawl, urban density, housing and land prices [19], [21], [27].…”