Did the COVID-19 pandemic influence access to green spaces? Results of a literature review during the first year of pandemic

Abstract

Context The restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the relationship between humans and their environment. The studies analyzed focus mainly on urban spaces during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Objectives The aim of the present study was to assess the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused in the relation between humans and nature, including the view, use, and perception of green spaces. Methods This review was performed by keyword searches in the main bibliographic repositories. We included all studies that examined the relationship between green spaces and nature during the COVID-19 pandemic. The search was restricted to studies published in English from the end of 2019 until the end of March 2021. Following the inclusion criteria, a total of 31 articles were analyzed. Results The COVID-19 pandemic has modified the relationship between population and green spaces. In countries with fewer restrictions, some travel was permitted, and green spaces could be visited. Countries with more severe restrictions, such as Spain and Italy, registered a significant reduction in the use of green spaces, especially during home confinement. The issues addressed by most studies analyzed include variations in access and use to green space and its economic inequalities, the influence of views of green space on well-being and the associations between COVID-19 rates and availability of green spaces from the beginning of the pandemic until March 2021. Conclusion The different government responses to COVID-19 have influenced the access to and use of green spaces, showing an increase in the exposure and appreciation of green spaces. Green spaces have increased the resilience of both cities and their residents, especially during the pandemic lockdown.