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Assessing Urban Agriculture’s Potential for Biodiversity Conservation, Carbon Sequestration, and Community Development: A Comparative Study of Residents’ Perceptions in Three Western Romanian Cities

Author

Listed:
  • Simona Gavrilaș

    (Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania)

  • Oana Brînzan

    (Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania)

  • Eugenia Tigan

    (Faculty of Food Engineering, Tourism and Environmental Protection, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 2-4 Elena Drăgoi Str., 310330 Arad, Romania)

  • Radu Lucian Blaga

    (Faculty of Economics, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 10 Paul Chinezul Str., 310100 Arad, Romania
    Center for Research in Sustainable Bio-Eco-Economy, “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad, 77 Revoluției Bld., 310130 Arad, Romania)

  • Tiberiu Iancu

    (Faculty of Management and Rural Tourism, “King Mihai I” University of Life Sciences from Timișoara, Calea Aradului No. 119, 300645 Timisoara, Romania)

Abstract

Urban agriculture is increasingly recognized as a strategy for enhancing sustainability and well-being in urban areas, mainly through circular economy principles. This study investigates residents’ perspectives from three major cities in western Romania—Arad, Timișoara, and Oradea—on the implementation and benefits of urban agriculture. The main goal was to identify differences in opinions regarding urban agriculture’s potential to improve biodiversity conservation, enhance carbon dioxide retention, and reduce synthetic compound usage. The research also explored community development through circular economy practices and tools local authorities could use to promote urban agriculture. A survey of 573 respondents utilized variance analysis and the Tukey test to reveal significant opinion differences among residents. The findings showed notable variations in views on biodiversity conservation and community development benefits but no significant differences in opinions on carbon dioxide capture or synthetic chemical use. Residents of Timișoara and Oradea expressed more favorable views on urban agriculture than those in Arad. Participants emphasized the importance of free land allocation and sustainable practices for successful urban agriculture implementation. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and contributes to the understanding of urban sustainability and the role of urban agriculture in supporting circular economy principles.

Suggested Citation

  • Simona Gavrilaș & Oana Brînzan & Eugenia Tigan & Radu Lucian Blaga & Tiberiu Iancu, 2025. "Assessing Urban Agriculture’s Potential for Biodiversity Conservation, Carbon Sequestration, and Community Development: A Comparative Study of Residents’ Perceptions in Three Western Romanian Cities," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-25, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:271-:d:1578780
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ana De Jesus & Luciane Aguiar Borges, 2024. "Pathways for Cleaner, Greener, Healthier Cities: What Is the Role of Urban Agriculture in the Circular Economy of Two Nordic Cities?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-24, February.
    2. Oeindrila Dube & Juan F. Vargas, 2013. "Commodity Price Shocks and Civil Conflict: Evidence from Colombia," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 80(4), pages 1384-1421.
    3. Arun Kafle & James Hopeward & Baden Myers, 2023. "Potential Economic, Social and Environmental Contribution Study of Urban Agriculture Based on Five Key Features Identified through Past Studies," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-12, October.
    4. Chethika Gunasiri Wadumestrige Dona & Geetha Mohan & Kensuke Fukushi, 2021. "Promoting Urban Agriculture and Its Opportunities and Challenges—A Global Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-22, August.
    5. Ratzke, Leonie, 2023. "Revealing preferences for urban biodiversity as an environmental good," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 212(C).
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