Overcoming Barriers to Managing Urban Green Spaces in Metropolitan Areas: Prospects from a Case Study in an Emerging Economy

Adriano Bressane (), Anna Isabel Silva Loureiro, Líliam César de Castro Medeiros, Rogério Galante Negri and Ana Paula Garcia Goulart
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Adriano Bressane: Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, Brazil
Anna Isabel Silva Loureiro: Graduate Program in Civil and Environmental Engineering, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Bauru 17033-360, Brazil
Líliam César de Castro Medeiros: Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12247-016, Brazil
Rogério Galante Negri: Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12247-016, Brazil
Ana Paula Garcia Goulart: Institute of Science and Technology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José dos Campos 12247-016, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-14

Abstract: Urban green spaces (UGS) are vital for the quality of life in cities. However, managing these spaces in metropolitan areas is increasingly challenging. There is a critical gap regarding the specific challenges and strategies employed by municipalities of varying sizes in emerging economies. Most existing research focuses on developed countries, leaving a void in understanding how these economies manage UGS under different constraints. This study delves into the challenges and strategies associated with managing UGS in the metropolitan region of São Paulo (MRSP), Brazil, comparing the experiences of the municipalities to provide empirical evidence that can inform policy making and urban planning practices in similar contexts. A structured questionnaire was distributed to environmental departments across 39 municipalities in MRSP. The survey included questions on population size, priority given to UGS, challenges faced and strategies adopted to overcome barriers. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the association between municipality size and the identified challenges and strategies. This study found that larger municipalities face significant barriers related to high population density and land use conflicts, which are less pronounced in smaller municipalities. However, strategies adopted to manage UGS were similar across all municipalities. Policy makers should focus on promoting vertical green spaces, expanding urban greening programs, and ensuring equitable resource allocation. Public–private partnerships and community involvement in planning processes are crucial for sustainable UGS management. Integrating UGS policies with broader urban development plans is essential for creating cohesive urban environments. Further research should conduct comparative studies across multiple metropolitan regions in different countries to provide a more comprehensive understanding of UGS management globally. This study integrates insights from urban ecology, landscape architecture, and public policy, emphasizing the interdisciplinary approach required for effective UGS management. The findings offer practical guidance for urban planners and landscape architects to design sustainable urban landscapes.

Keywords: green spaces; metropolitan areas; emerging economies; urban planning; public policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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