Evaluating the cultural ecosystem services of India: Comparison of budget allocations to improve the use value of recreational open spaces

Recreational open spaces (ROS) like parks and playgrounds are vital cultural ecosystem services. Provision of universally accessible, safe and inclusive green public spaces is one of the SDGs. There is a gap in the identification of the qualitative and quantitative aspects that impact the ‘Use Value’ of cultural ecosystem service like ROS. Comparative analysis of the budget allocation of ROS in Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai was conducted and further corroborated with the use value of the select ROS derived with an empirical study of sample open spaces from the three cities. The evaluation criteria were identified and weighted using an expert survey. To assess the impact of the budget expenditure on the use value of ROS, the budget cost per square meter for the three Indian cities was computed. Furthermore, an evaluation tool was derived using the ROS use value and the derived budget provision for the respective ROS. The study highlighted the need to incorporate a comprehensive goal-based financial planning structure for ROS management along with incorporating ‘use value’ as a parameter of assessment to ensure holistic policy design and implementation. The study concludes with various policy recommendations to improve the use value of Indian ROS.