Towards an Integrated Evaluation Framework for Urban Green Spaces

Abstract

Contemporary studies frequently acknowledge the significance of examining the contribution of urban green spaces (UGS) to sustainability and quality of life from multiple perspectives. In exploring the multifaceted nature of UGS, multidimensional approaches have the potential to provide useful guidance for the design, planning and management of urban green spaces and support the development of sustainable governance models. However, the development of integrated evaluation frameworks, which allow multiple aspects to be considered together, is still an open research topic. The present article proffers a synopsis of advances in UGS evaluation for researchers, planners and policymakers by means of an integrative review of the literature. The present study explores emerging lines of research and presents the main findings in a model that adopts the three main dimensions identified in the literature: environmental, social and cultural, and governance and management dimensions. The model has the potential to serve as a valuable instrument in the development of integrated UGS evaluation frameworks across diverse contexts. It is recommended that future research directions include the long-term assessment of interventions in UGS, as well as the need for approaches that support local communities participation and the management of conflicts in the planning and governance of environmental resources.