Investing in natural sources such as trees and ponds to create green spaces in urban areas is vital for various benefits as more than half of the world’s population is now living in urban areas
Around the globe, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the of flaws in our infrastructures in urban planning.
While some of the effective measures includes physical distancing and practice hygiene, the environment also plays a huge factor in reducing the risk of transmission of Covid-19.
As the world urban places becomes increasing congested and populated, there is now a greater need for more outdoor natural public spaces.
By investing in green infrastructures to create more urban green spaces provide a wide range of ecosystem services that could help combat many urban ills and improve life for city dwellers.
Green infrastructures can be defined as an inter-connected network of open, green spaces that provide a range of ecosystem services.
Green infrastructures such as rain gardens, solar panels, urban tree canopy is created and developed of natural resources to create green space such as parks, road trees, national parks on strategic intervention in the feasible private and public lots and properties.
Urban green spaces can give enormous benefits to the people by improving health, social well-being and enhancing enjoyment of local environment.
Studies shows that the presence of greenness and visits to green space can reduce stress and improve restoration of the brain, and thereby improve mental health
Urban green spaces are considered as important contributor and can be a significant part of sustainable development.
The social aspect of urban green spaces is the inclusiveness it provides towards the community through diversity of land use, contribution to health and active lifestyle in cities, opportunities to interact and expand social network and enhancement of cultural life for different communities.
Most importantly, urban green spaces can be seen as a facilitator to reduce the impact of human activities.
For example, green space can absorb pollutants and re-leasing oxygen, contributing to the maintenance of a healthy urban environment with clean air, water and soil and preserving the local natural and cultural heritage with a diversity of urban wildlife and urban resources.
