Urban Green Spaces as a Component of an Ecosystem

This chapter is aimed at analyzing a review of the empirical literature on some important features of urban green spaces such as the components, functions, services, community involvement, initiatives, and actions from an ecosystem perspective. The analysis begins from the assumption that urban green spaces are ecosystems of vital importance in enhancing the quality of life in an urban environment and supplying ecosystem services, such as biodiversity, climate regulation. Thus, the urban green space ecosystem is an important component of an ecosystem in any community development. Meeting the needs of users is related to the functions and services that urban green spaces provide to communities. Community involvement, engagement, and development require a methodology to ensure that the needs and aspirations of local users in the community are met. The methods employed in this analysis are a review of the empirical literature and documents, analysis of existing data on uses and users, interviews with authorities, and a more detailed examination of case-specific data. Also, as concluding remarks, some of the wider environmental, economic and social initiatives for local authorities and communities are suggested that might justify any funding for all the stakeholders that are represented and involved. Finally, the chapter proposes some of the opportunities, challenges, and further research.