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Renaturing for Urban Wellbeing: A Socioecological Perspective on Green Space Quality, Accessibility, and Inclusivity

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  • Alessio Russo

    (School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia)

Abstract

This perspective examines renaturing cities, the strategic reintroduction of nature, as a potential solution to the negative health impacts of rapid urbanisation. By utilising nature-based solutions to maximise ecosystem services and reintegrate human and natural systems, renaturing offers access to high-quality, accessible green spaces. Studies suggest such access is associated with reduced depression, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease risk. Renaturing also presents opportunities for physical activity and daily exposure to nature, which can further enhance well-being and happiness. However, challenges include ensuring equitable access to these spaces and avoiding gentrification. To achieve this equitable distribution and ensure the project truly benefits the community, a bottom-up approach involving residents in the planning process is crucial. Longitudinal studies and evidence from design projects are necessary to understand which types of nature-based solutions can most effectively improve wellbeing and happiness for disadvantaged groups. Further research is needed to better refine the renaturing concept, as it is sometimes used interchangeably with other similar but distinct approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessio Russo, 2024. "Renaturing for Urban Wellbeing: A Socioecological Perspective on Green Space Quality, Accessibility, and Inclusivity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:13:p:5751-:d:1429731
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alessio Russo & Giuseppe T. Cirella, 2018. "Modern Compact Cities: How Much Greenery Do We Need?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-15, October.
    2. Andrew J. Lafrenz, 2022. "Designing Multifunctional Urban Green Spaces: An Inclusive Public Health Framework," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-14, August.
    3. Alessio Russo & Maria Beatrice Andreucci, 2023. "Raising Healthy Children: Promoting the Multiple Benefits of Green Open Spaces through Biophilic Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-21, January.
    4. Alessio Russo & Wing Tung Chan & Giuseppe T. Cirella, 2021. "Estimating Air Pollution Removal and Monetary Value for Urban Green Infrastructure Strategies Using Web-Based Applications," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-17, July.
    5. Nausheen Masood & Alessio Russo, 2023. "Community Perception of Brownfield Regeneration through Urban Rewilding," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-15, February.
    6. Sarah P. Church, 2018. "From street trees to natural areas: retrofitting cities for human connectedness to nature," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(5-6), pages 878-903, May.
    7. Mireia Gascon & Margarita Triguero-Mas & David Martínez & Payam Dadvand & Joan Forns & Antoni Plasència & Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, 2015. "Mental Health Benefits of Long-Term Exposure to Residential Green and Blue Spaces: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-26, April.
    8. Marcia P. Jimenez & Nicole V. DeVille & Elise G. Elliott & Jessica E. Schiff & Grete E. Wilt & Jaime E. Hart & Peter James, 2021. "Associations between Nature Exposure and Health: A Review of the Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-19, April.
    9. Connop, Stuart & Vandergert, Paula & Eisenberg, Bernd & Collier, Marcus J. & Nash, Caroline & Clough, Jack & Newport, Darryl, 2016. "Renaturing cities using a regionally-focused biodiversity-led multifunctional benefits approach to urban green infrastructure," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 99-111.
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    Cited by:

    1. Nattasit Srinurak & Warong Wonglangka & Janjira Sukwai, 2024. "Smart Urban Forest Initiative: Nature-Based Solution and People-Centered Approach for Tree Management in Chiang Mai, Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-22, December.

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