In recent years, India has witnessed a rapid surge in economic growth and urban development, resulting in a distressing deterioration of environmental conditions. This trend is especially prevalent in densely populated urban areas like Delhi, where the adverse effects of this expansion are manifested through heightened pollution levels, water contamination, and the alarming loss of natural habitats and biodiversity. Amidst these pressing environmental challenges, urban green spaces (UGSs) have emerged as crucial assets for mitigating these issues and enhancing the overall quality of life within cities. UGSs, encompassing parks, gardens, and other green areas nestled in urban landscapes, offer a diverse range of benefits known as ecosystem services.
A recent study by Anand & Prodyut Bhattacharya (2023) conducted in Delhi aimed to explore the perceptions and interactions of residents with the ecosystem services provided by UGSs. This study had multiple key objectives. Firstly, it sought to determine the frequency of residents' visits to UGSs and whether these patterns correlated with their socio-economic status. Additionally, the study aimed to gauge residents' knowledge and perspectives regarding the ecosystem services offered by these green spaces, as well as their awareness of any potential disadvantages or disservices associated with them. Furthermore, the study aimed to rank these ecosystem services based on their significance to the city's residents.
The research was carried out through a survey of 620 randomly selected respondents residing in proximity to UGSs across the city. The findings of this study unveiled several noteworthy insights. The majority of respondents displayed an awareness of the diverse ecosystem services provided by UGSs and generally believed that the benefits outweighed any potential drawbacks.
Furthermore, the study shed light on specific aspects that residents considered of utmost importance. For instance, there was a strong emphasis on the need to ameliorate the urban microclimate and overall environmental quality. Moreover, ecosystem services such as enhancing mental well-being and contributing to the aesthetic beauty of the urban environment received high ratings from the respondents. Conversely, certain ecosystem services, such as improving wildlife habitats, ensuring the availability of fresh water, regulating water flow, and providing resources like fuelwood, fruits, honey, and medicinal plants, were not perceived as particularly significant by the respondents.
Surprisingly, the study revealed that residents demonstrated a greater inclination to recognize the tangible advantages of urban green spaces (UGSs), such as enhanced mental well-being and aesthetic charm. Conversely, they were less attuned to the potential environmental benefits or services that UGSs can provide, such as biodiversity support or water regulation. Furthermore, respondents displayed a relatively high level of awareness regarding the economic advantages associated with UGSs.
The implications of this research hold significant weight and offer valuable insights for urban planners and developers. By considering the expectations and perceptions of residents, they can effectively design urban green spaces (UGSs) that better meet the needs of the community. This, in turn, can greatly enhance the overall quality of life in rapidly expanding urban areas such as Delhi. However, it is worth noting that the study reveals a lower significance placed on crucial services like wildlife habitat improvement, water regulation, and resource provision. This finding suggests a potential lack of awareness among individuals regarding the multifaceted benefits UGSs can provide. In light of this, it is imperative to prioritize environmental education and improve communication efforts. By increasing residents' understanding of the broader ecosystem services UGSs offer, we can foster a greater appreciation for the significance and potential of these green spaces in supporting a sustainable and thriving urban environment.
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