Beyond Biodiversity: Eliciting Diverse Values of Urban Green Spaces in Flanders

Thomas Bastiaensen (), Ewaut Van Wambeke, Camelia El Bakkali, Jomme Desair, Charlotte Noël, Kaat Kenis, Lukas Vincke and Sander Jacobs
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Thomas Bastiaensen: Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
Ewaut Van Wambeke: Research Group Nature and Society, Research Institute for Nature and Forest INBO, Havenlaan 88 bus 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Camelia El Bakkali: Research Group Nature and Society, Research Institute for Nature and Forest INBO, Havenlaan 88 bus 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Jomme Desair: Research Group Nature and Society, Research Institute for Nature and Forest INBO, Havenlaan 88 bus 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Charlotte Noël: Research Group Nature and Society, Research Institute for Nature and Forest INBO, Havenlaan 88 bus 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Kaat Kenis: Department of Product Development, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Lukas Vincke: Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Sander Jacobs: Terrestrial Ecology Unit, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Nature-based solutions are claimed to offer an effective approach to tackle societal challenges and promote biodiversity. While research has mainly focused on biodiversity and material ecosystem services, non-material contributions and relational values of urban green spaces remain underexplored. How to balance the benefits of nature, well-being, and relational values in their design and performance evaluation remains unclear. To elicit the values expressed in public communication regarding the benefits of urban nature projects in Flanders, three online repositories that feature diverse nature-based solutions projects in the region were chosen. Using coding and quantitative content analysis of standardized descriptions from these repositories, this study found that relational values were most abundant (55%), followed by instrumental values (30%) and intrinsic values (15%), consistently so over socio-demographic and physical contexts. It was also discovered that larger projects have a higher level of multifunctionality, which is calculated based on the variety of values and value dimensions expressed, and that participation—although considered key—rarely reports on inclusivity. The findings suggest that in Flanders, a greater emphasis is placed on relational values associated with urban nature. A broader value scope for the design, management, and evaluation of urban green spaces tailored to the local context is recommended.

Keywords: relational values; plural valuation; nature-based solutions; urban nature; urban green spaces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
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