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Snapshot of the Use of Urban Green Spaces in Mexico City during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Author

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  • Carolina Mayen Huerta

    (School of Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Level 1, Bouverie Street, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Gianluca Cafagna

    (World Bank Group, Washington, DC 20433, USA)

Abstract

The present qualitative research explores the factors that have influenced the use of urban green spaces (UGS) in Mexico City during the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications of their usage on residents’ well-being. This study was conducted using a combination of solicited audio and written diaries, photography, and in-depth interviews with 16 participants, aged 22 to 58. The article provides a critical reflection on the incentives and deterrents to the UGS use of participants while social distancing measures were in place. The results show that in Mexico City: (1) participants’ lack of access to UGS has hampered their use, mainly among those of low-income neighborhoods; (2) UGS size did not directly impact participants’ UGS use during the pandemic; and (3) women were deterred from accessing UGS due to safety concerns related to the fear of violence. Overall, the results suggest that UGS use has served as a coping mechanism to decrease the effects of stress and isolation caused by the pandemic, increasing users’ physical and mental well-being. This study’s conclusions can help develop future citizen participation tools that are useful for resilience in urban design, as they provide interesting insights into the perceptions of residents, such as the most valued characteristics of UGS.

Suggested Citation

  • Carolina Mayen Huerta & Gianluca Cafagna, 2021. "Snapshot of the Use of Urban Green Spaces in Mexico City during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-23, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:8:p:4304-:d:538633
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Tianrong Xu & Nikmatul Adha Nordin & Ainoriza Mohd Aini, 2022. "Urban Green Space and Subjective Well-Being of Older People: A Systematic Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-29, October.
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    8. Jiwon Kim & Youngjin Ko & Whijin Kim & Gaeun Kim & Jeongmin Lee & Olebogeng Thelma G. Eyman & Sarwat Chowdhury & Julie Adiwal & Yowhan Son & Woo-Kyun Lee, 2023. "Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Perception and Use of Urban Green Spaces in Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-17, February.
    9. Antonios Kolimenakis & Alexandra D. Solomou & Nikolaos Proutsos & Evangelia V. Avramidou & Evangelia Korakaki & Georgios Karetsos & Aimilia B. Kontogianni & Konstantinos Kontos & Christos Georgiadis &, 2022. "Public Perceptions of the Socioeconomic Importance of Urban Green Areas in the Era of COVID-19: A Case Study of a Nationwide Survey in Greece," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-14, December.
    10. Haoxian Cai & Wei Duan, 2022. "Changing Perceptions and Uses of “Companion Animal” Public and Pseudo-Public Spaces in Cities during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Beijing," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-23, September.

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