Public Perception of Biodiversity: A Literature Review of Its Role in Urban Green Spaces

Abstract

The significance of biodiversity in the survival of human beings and enhancing the urban quality of life is evident from the empirical measurements and qualitative studies carried out across the globe. Despite its importance and value, burgeoning population and growing urbanization are posing a serious threat to biodiversity leading to biodiversity homogenization and ecosystem fragmentation. Moreover, studies reveal that management practices of biodiversity hardly take into account perception, needs, and knowledge of urban residents regarding biodiversity. Urban green spaces have a major role to play in the conservation of urban biodiversity. However, the triangular relationship between biodiversity, urban green spaces, and public perception is still unexplored. With this aim, the paper attempts to compile, analyze, and synthesize the empirical findings to understand the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding public perception of biodiversity in urban green spaces. The search strategy acquired for the selection of papers resulted in 43 papers from 22 different countries of the world. The paper focuses upon an inclusive definition of urban green spaces, thus encompasses a wide variety of urban and peri-urban green spaces, parks, gardens, and waterfront urban spaces. The analysis of literature pattern reveals a recent increase in studies related to biodiversity perception over the last 10 years. It indicates a strong geographic bias in publications as well. Studies of animals including birds, insects, and reptiles are found scarce compared to plant species. The study could identify potential variables affecting human biodiversity perception which include species literacy, visitation rate, preferences, recreational, health, and restorative benefits, vegetation characteristics, nature connectedness, and conservation support. The paper also proposes a framework for understanding biodiversity perception in urban green spaces that can assist in improving our understanding of the relationship between human interactions and natural environments and framing strategies for urban development, landscape planning, and community health promotions.

Public Perceptions of Urban Green Spaces: Convergences and Divergences

“…Studies from a range of countries on the perception of UGSs have identified several dominant factors that influence public perceptions (Tian et al, 2020). Bele and Chakradeo (2021) suggest that socio-economic aspects such as gender, age, religion, and marital status should be included in the determination of perceptions of urban green spaces. Gashu et al (2020), in their study in Ethiopia, argue that demographic, socio-economic, institutional, and physical factors contribute to different perceptions of green infrastructure.…”

“…Mathey et al (2018) observed that brownfields in urban areas with natural vegetation cover could positively contribute to the biodiversity of urban green systems. In their literature review of the public perception of biodiversity in UGSs, Bele and Chakradeo (2021) emphasize the significance and value of biodiversity on the quality of life in urban areas. They argue that despite the crucial role that urban green spaces play in maintaining urban biodiversity, the association of biodiversity, urban green spaces, and public perception had not received sufficient attention.…”

“…Wei et al (2021) recommend that urban planners of UGIs consider both quantitative aspects, such as the proportion of green space and park area per capita, and the qualitative aspects, including resident's perceptions of UGSs when designing such spaces. Qualitative aspects to be factored into the design process could also include the ways in which residents use similar existing spaces and the physical, social, psychological and spiritual benefits they associate with their use (Bele and Chakradeo, 2021). An exploration of residents' perceptions of existing green spaces and of their preferences for such spaces across specific disciplinary boundaries can improve the quality of urban green spaces developed in the future (Farahani and Maller, 2018;Xiang et al, 2021).…”

“…Inherent qualities of urban green spaces include tranquility, space, and climate-friendly measures that can balance increases in city size and population density (Wagner et al, 2019;Stessens et al, 2020) and rapid urbanization (Collins et al, 2019;Bele and Chakradeo, 2021;Randrup et al, 2021). Direct and indirect benefits of green spaces can be seen (Kothencz et al, 2017) when the physical characteristics, perceptions and patterns of use of UGSs promote social cohesion among urban residents, enhance child development and help stress reduction (Macintyre et al, 2019;Sen and Guchhait, 2021).…”

“…It has been argued that no single approach could be used to fully comprehend the diverse perceptions of urban green space (Farahani and Maller, 2018). Interdisciplinary and integrated approaches can better address the issue (Haq, 2011;Farahani and Maller, 2018;Bele and Chakradeo, 2021) and explore the complex, diversified relationships between perceptions of urban green space, the benefits of urban green spaces, and the impacts of these benefits on climate change adaptation and mitigation (Sreetheran, 2017).…”