Urban green spaces diversity and their added value to urban sustainability: a case study from Bragança (Portugal)
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abstract
Urban green spaces (UGS) combine a wide range of elements that offer
diverse ecosystem services, such elements are often measured in a single
general category without valuing diversity. This study carried out in
Bragança (Portugal), a small town with a population of around 25,000
inhabitants, uses spatial metrics (ArcGis 9.3 - ESRI ® - software) to
identify and measure characteristics of local UGS, applying a framework for
its classification and addressing its attributes, including their ownership,
access, vegetation, relation with biophysical context, cultural value and
urban planning determinations. Further information, related to the social
relation with the UGS was also gathered with questionnaires to 251
inhabitants, addressing a representative sample (proportional to gender
and age groups), and taking into account the spatial distribution of the
population. The results show that many of the UGS are not developed to
ensure an adequate response to social demands (eg. recreational needs)
and even offer little interest from the perspectives of urban resiliency and
sustainability. Finally, it is argued that UGS should be addressed considering
the urban green infrastructure perspective and should be carefully planned
to ensure that they have a valuable impact on urban life quality.
