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Social Relevance of Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Infrastructures: A Mixed Qualitative–Quantitative Case Study Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Sofia Baldessari

    (Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, 38123 Trento, Italy)

  • Isabella De Meo

    (Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Agriculture and Environment, 50023 Firenze, Italy)

  • Maria Giulia Cantiani

    (Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy)

  • Alessandro Paletto

    (Consiglio per la ricerca in agricoltura e l’analisi dell’economia agraria (CREA), Research Centre for Forestry and Wood, 38123 Trento, Italy)

Abstract

Urban green infrastructures (UGIs) are important elements of the urban matrix providing ecological functions and several ecosystem services beneficial to citizens. Recently, their contribution to the well-being and quality of life of citizens has been widely recognized by both the scientific community and policymakers. This study aims to explore the social relevance of UGI ecosystem services through a mixed qualitative–quantitative case study approach. First, a quantitative literature review was conducted using bibliometric network analysis, followed by a participatory process through a Scientific Café with a sample of Italian stakeholders involved in the UGIs’ planning and management. The bibliometric network analysis identified 443 documents (from 2000 to 2024) primarily focused on three ecosystem services provided by UGIs—climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and cultural services, such as health benefits, aesthetic, and recreation. The qualitative results of Scientific Café highlight a particular interest of stakeholders in cultural services such as physical and mental benefits provided by UGIs, as well as improving the urban aesthetic value. Additionally, the role of UGIs in microclimate regulation and heat mitigation was emphasized. The combined analysis of perspectives from the scientific community, policy-makers, stakeholders, and citizens provides a foundation for developing a participatory governance approach to UGIs.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofia Baldessari & Isabella De Meo & Maria Giulia Cantiani & Alessandro Paletto, 2025. "Social Relevance of Ecosystem Services Provided by Urban Green Infrastructures: A Mixed Qualitative–Quantitative Case Study Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:230-:d:1573784
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Giulia Capotorti & Vera De Lazzari & Marta Alós Ortí, 2019. "Local Scale Prioritisation of Green Infrastructure for Enhancing Biodiversity in Peri-Urban Agroecosystems: A Multi-Step Process Applied in the Metropolitan City of Rome (Italy)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Venter, Zander & Barton, David & gundersen, vegard & Figari, Helene & Nowell, Megan, 2020. "Urban nature in a time of crisis: recreational use of green space increases during the COVID-19 outbreak in Oslo, Norway," SocArXiv kbdum, Center for Open Science.
    3. Yijun Zhang & Suzanne Mavoa & Jinfeng Zhao & Deborah Raphael & Melody Smith, 2020. "The Association between Green Space and Adolescents’ Mental Well-Being: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-26, September.
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