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Is an Environment with High Biodiversity the Most Attractive for Human Recreation? A Case Study in Baoji, China

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  • Tian Gao

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ling Zhu

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Tian Zhang

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China)

  • Rui Song

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China)

  • Yuanqun Zhang

    (College of Forestry, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China)

  • Ling Qiu

    (College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, Shaanxi Province, China)

Abstract

Evidence has been accumulating of the psychological and physiological benefits and well-being gained by individuals from recreational activities in urban green spaces due to their ability to sustain biodiversity, but maximizing both biodiversity and recreational values of green spaces has become increasingly difficult in practice. In order to better maximize the biodiversity and recreational value of urban green space, this study was conducted through the utilization of an onsite questionnaire to understand people’s perceptions of and preferences for biodiversity and recreational values of urban green spaces in Baoji City, China. The results showed that respondents were able to correctly perceive biodiversity and preferred to engage in recreational activities in the high biodiversity environment. However, the respondents’ perceptions of the eight perceived sensory dimensions (PSDs) in the different habitats were divergent, and an environment which is high in biodiversity does not necessarily have higher PSDs. Moreover, ‘living environment’ and ‘frequency to the park’ had significant impacts on perception of and preference for urban biodiversity. In addition, ‘education level’, ‘living environment’, ‘age’, and other indicators were more likely to influence the perception of the eight PSDs. Therefore, the presented findings can be applied by urban landscape planners to assess the qualities of urban green spaces in order to maintain urban biodiversity and meet the satisfaction of human recreation in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Tian Gao & Ling Zhu & Tian Zhang & Rui Song & Yuanqun Zhang & Ling Qiu, 2019. "Is an Environment with High Biodiversity the Most Attractive for Human Recreation? A Case Study in Baoji, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-20, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:15:p:4086-:d:252555
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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