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Attitudes towards Green Urban Space: A Case Study of Two Italian Regions

Author

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  • Alessia Grigoletto

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Mario Mauro

    (Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Study of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy)

  • Francesco Campa

    (Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy)

  • Alberto Loi

    (Department of Pharmacy, Biotechnology and Sport Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Maria Cristina Zambon

    (Welfare Area and Promotion of Community Wellness, Bologna Municipality, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Marzia Bettocchi

    (Welfare Area and Promotion of Community Wellness, Bologna Municipality, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Mark Nieuwenhuijsen

    (ISGlobal, 08036 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Laura Bragonzoni

    (Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy)

  • Pasqualino Maietta Latessa

    (Department of Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy)

  • Stefania Toselli

    (Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Green spaces are defined as open spaces of ground, covered by vegetation, including parks and gardens. This kind of environment is linked to many positive effects and its importance is growing due to increasing urbanization. Understanding what drives people to use green urban space is fundamental to creating appropriate campaigns to develop the use of such spaces and improve the citizens’ quality of life. A questionnaire on the attitude towards green space was developed and submitted to people from two Italian regions. Emilia-Romagna and Veneto are two regions in the North of Italy with different territorial policies. Three hundred and ten surveys were collected (167 in Emilia-Romagna and 143 in Veneto). Significant differences were observed between regions, age groups and in relation to the kind of work ( p < 0.05). People from Emilia-Romagna have higher scores of attitudes towards green space than people from Veneto, underlining the importance of territorial policies. Moreover, younger participants (18–30 years) seem to be less attracted to green urban space. Being an employee seems to influence the attitude towards green space. Particular attention should be given to subjects of the younger age groups and to the number of hours spent at work. This could be an important element for future research, so that political action can be implemented with these categories in mind.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessia Grigoletto & Mario Mauro & Francesco Campa & Alberto Loi & Maria Cristina Zambon & Marzia Bettocchi & Mark Nieuwenhuijsen & Laura Bragonzoni & Pasqualino Maietta Latessa & Stefania Toselli, 2021. "Attitudes towards Green Urban Space: A Case Study of Two Italian Regions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-21, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6442-:d:574817
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    Cited by:

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    2. Stefania Toselli & Laura Bragonzoni & Alessia Grigoletto & Alice Masini & Sofia Marini & Giuseppe Barone & Erika Pinelli & Raffaele Zinno & Mario Mauro & Pietro Loro Pilone & Sonia Arduini & Simona Ga, 2022. "Effect of a Park-Based Physical Activity Intervention on Psychological Wellbeing at the Time of COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Fuyuan Wang & Rundong Feng, 2021. "Spatial Coupling and Causal Effects between the Recreational Use of Ecological Land and Restoration: A Case Study of the Pearl River Delta Urban Agglomeration," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(19), pages 1-16, September.
    4. Alessia Grigoletto & Alberto Loi & Pasqualino Maietta Latessa & Sofia Marini & Natascia Rinaldo & Emanuela Gualdi-Russo & Luciana Zaccagni & Stefania Toselli, 2022. "Physical Activity Behavior, Motivation and Active Commuting: Relationships with the Use of Green Spaces in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-15, July.

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