Green Infrastructure and Social Welfare. Lessons for …
77
Table 1 Sustainability aspects related to natural spaces
Sustainability dimension Benefits
Problems
Environmental
Improve environmental quality
and mitigate global warning
Sources of pollution and a risk
for human health
Economic
Increase property value
Decrease property value
Contributes to attractiveness
places and sightseeing activities
Abandoned places without any
activity
Social
Contributes to social inclusion
and harmony
Trigger conflicts among
neighbors
Fosters physical activity and
public health
Trigger unsafe conditions and
vandalism
Release stress and generate
positive emotions
Adapted from Austin (2017), Bendict and McMahon (2006), Calaza (2016), Castro Castro (2018)
and Selman (2012)
and why? (ii) What specific plans or projects on green infrastructure are you collaborating at? (iii) What do you believe challenges green infrastructure planning at the
Metropolitan Area of Leon?
Regarding the conceptual perception on green infrastructure, interviewees perceived green infrastructure as a network, a set of elements, a planning tool or a policy.
Public spaces, natural spaces and green spaces were mentioned as key components
of a green infrastructure network. Despite there is no an agreement on what green
infrastructure is, it was associated with the provision of services that contribute for
the enhancement of quality of life and the development of city. Interestingly, green
infrastructure is perceived beneficial for urban settings. To many participants, the
perception on benefits was implicit. Meaning that authorities and the Council members have a general concept but less understanding of the characteristics of green
infrastructure and its specific benefits.
The collaboration in plan or projects about a green infrastructure system or its
components is not common. Participants only mentioned that they respect trees or
nature elements in the projects. Although, some participants mentioned to be collaborating on research about some components of green infrastructure (e.g. parks).
Based on the results of interviews and questionnaires, two aspects were mentioned
to strive green infrastructure planning: (i) coordination among local authorities and
(ii) a misunderstanding of green infrastructure approach. Interestingly, some interviewees reported there is a need for stimulating a discussion on the green infrastructure
approach among the authorities and with the public.
77
Table 1 Sustainability aspects related to natural spaces
Sustainability dimension Benefits
Problems
Environmental
Improve environmental quality
and mitigate global warning
Sources of pollution and a risk
for human health
Economic
Increase property value
Decrease property value
Contributes to attractiveness
places and sightseeing activities
Abandoned places without any
activity
Social
Contributes to social inclusion
and harmony
Trigger conflicts among
neighbors
Fosters physical activity and
public health
Trigger unsafe conditions and
vandalism
Release stress and generate
positive emotions
Adapted from Austin (2017), Bendict and McMahon (2006), Calaza (2016), Castro Castro (2018)
and Selman (2012)
and why? (ii) What specific plans or projects on green infrastructure are you collaborating at? (iii) What do you believe challenges green infrastructure planning at the
Metropolitan Area of Leon?
Regarding the conceptual perception on green infrastructure, interviewees perceived green infrastructure as a network, a set of elements, a planning tool or a policy.
Public spaces, natural spaces and green spaces were mentioned as key components
of a green infrastructure network. Despite there is no an agreement on what green
infrastructure is, it was associated with the provision of services that contribute for
the enhancement of quality of life and the development of city. Interestingly, green
infrastructure is perceived beneficial for urban settings. To many participants, the
perception on benefits was implicit. Meaning that authorities and the Council members have a general concept but less understanding of the characteristics of green
infrastructure and its specific benefits.
The collaboration in plan or projects about a green infrastructure system or its
components is not common. Participants only mentioned that they respect trees or
nature elements in the projects. Although, some participants mentioned to be collaborating on research about some components of green infrastructure (e.g. parks).
Based on the results of interviews and questionnaires, two aspects were mentioned
to strive green infrastructure planning: (i) coordination among local authorities and
(ii) a misunderstanding of green infrastructure approach. Interestingly, some interviewees reported there is a need for stimulating a discussion on the green infrastructure
approach among the authorities and with the public.