The Natural, Social Environment and Urban Residents’ Intention to Remain: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

To date, many urban centers are plagued with a variety of environmental and social issues which weakens the quality of life of its residents. As a result, there is a trend of outmigration, where urban residents are moving away from these urban centers, contributing to the decline of these traditional economic centers. Maintaining a strong residential presence in the urban centers is important to sustain the place, therefore residents should be encouraged to remain in the urban vicinity rather than to leave. Using Malaysia as a case for the research, this paper explores the determinants to urban residents' intention to remain. It is suggested that the residents' intention to remain is affected by both the natural environment, which covers biodiversity and greenery in the neighborhood, as well as the social environment, which covers safety and the sense of community in the neighborhood. The research will be of primary interest to local planning authorities as well as housing developers.

Green Development in Indonesia: Socioeconomic Impacts, Environmental Effects, and the Role of Social Entrepreneurship

“…A variety of ecosystem services are provided by green open spaces, including carbon sequestration, water management, air purification, and biodiversity conservation (Sunita et al, 2023). Furthermore, green spaces foster community cohesion, mental health, and physical activity, which are all social and recreational benefits (Keh et al, 2023). Urban green spaces additionally serve as a protective barrier against the adverse consequences of urbanization by reducing stormwater discharge and mitigating the heat island effect (Leite et al, n.d.).…”