Green Infrastructure and Social Welfare. Lessons for …
85
6 Conclusion Remarks
This study has described a brief conceptual framework on how to understand the
conceptual aspects of green infrastructure and its links to sustainable urban planning.
Sustainability involves a paradigm shift toward new schemes that transcends the
traditional unidimensional approach of natural spaces planning.
In order to tackle with a fragmented vision of green infrastructure in the Metropolitan Zone of Leon, this study has held that an effective planning approach should integrate functions and dysfunctions related to social perception. The United NationsHabitat Program defines urban planning and design as the strategic areas for supporting urban growth and improving sustainability, efficiency and equity in urban
development at all levels and scales (UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) 2018). According to this definition, policies for urban planning
and design should provide a set of prospective approaches, methodologies and tools
for the decision-making process within local and national governments. The objective of these policies is to establish a comprehensive model of a long-term urban
development in order to contribute to social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable
and disadvantaged groups, and to gender equity.
This study has identified key lessons that can contribute to effective urban planning for land conservation and land management. First, the case of the Metropolitan
Zone of Leon illustrates that the clarity of conceptual perception is fundamental for
effective urban planning. An explicit incorporation of green infrastructure principles and objectives is pivotal to create a green infrastructure network that provides
multiple benefits for all inhabitants. Urban planning needs to transform its forms
of approaching to land conservations and management in order contribute to urban
sustainability.
Another lesson is that people do not perceive all different natural spaces as economic, social and environmental beneficial. Natural spaces can show dysfunctionalities. This aspect strives the strategic role of green infrastructure to achieve efficient
urban planning. Key natural space to be invigorated are the water streams (rivers) in
the Metropolitan Zone of Leon. To aim this objective, it may need to answer questions as following: (i) what are the obstacles to socially aware metropolitan benefits
of rivers and why? (ii) what are the specific contributions of rivers to the peoples’
quality of life? and (iii) How can rivers be integrated in the urban structure as public
spaces that contribute to urban sustainability in the Metropolitan Zone of Leon?
It is important to say that the survey sample used in this study was not statistically
representative and that many of the participants belonged to the same locality. Therefore, additional research will be desirable to aware on the different groups and local
perceptions of each green infrastructure component and its specific contributions to
the sustainability in the Metropolitan Area of Leon.
Finally, we argue that addressing the integration of social dimension in urban
planning is a key aspect to foster the quality of life and social welfare. This approach
may contribute to create more sustainable cities with benefits for all people.
85
6 Conclusion Remarks
This study has described a brief conceptual framework on how to understand the
conceptual aspects of green infrastructure and its links to sustainable urban planning.
Sustainability involves a paradigm shift toward new schemes that transcends the
traditional unidimensional approach of natural spaces planning.
In order to tackle with a fragmented vision of green infrastructure in the Metropolitan Zone of Leon, this study has held that an effective planning approach should integrate functions and dysfunctions related to social perception. The United NationsHabitat Program defines urban planning and design as the strategic areas for supporting urban growth and improving sustainability, efficiency and equity in urban
development at all levels and scales (UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) 2018). According to this definition, policies for urban planning
and design should provide a set of prospective approaches, methodologies and tools
for the decision-making process within local and national governments. The objective of these policies is to establish a comprehensive model of a long-term urban
development in order to contribute to social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable
and disadvantaged groups, and to gender equity.
This study has identified key lessons that can contribute to effective urban planning for land conservation and land management. First, the case of the Metropolitan
Zone of Leon illustrates that the clarity of conceptual perception is fundamental for
effective urban planning. An explicit incorporation of green infrastructure principles and objectives is pivotal to create a green infrastructure network that provides
multiple benefits for all inhabitants. Urban planning needs to transform its forms
of approaching to land conservations and management in order contribute to urban
sustainability.
Another lesson is that people do not perceive all different natural spaces as economic, social and environmental beneficial. Natural spaces can show dysfunctionalities. This aspect strives the strategic role of green infrastructure to achieve efficient
urban planning. Key natural space to be invigorated are the water streams (rivers) in
the Metropolitan Zone of Leon. To aim this objective, it may need to answer questions as following: (i) what are the obstacles to socially aware metropolitan benefits
of rivers and why? (ii) what are the specific contributions of rivers to the peoples’
quality of life? and (iii) How can rivers be integrated in the urban structure as public
spaces that contribute to urban sustainability in the Metropolitan Zone of Leon?
It is important to say that the survey sample used in this study was not statistically
representative and that many of the participants belonged to the same locality. Therefore, additional research will be desirable to aware on the different groups and local
perceptions of each green infrastructure component and its specific contributions to
the sustainability in the Metropolitan Area of Leon.
Finally, we argue that addressing the integration of social dimension in urban
planning is a key aspect to foster the quality of life and social welfare. This approach
may contribute to create more sustainable cities with benefits for all people.