engleski

Importance of green spaces in planning sustainable urban areas

For the last thirty years, sustainable development has been the dominant paradigm and its numerous interpretations and explanations have indicated the complexity of the concept. The concept of sustainable development has been gradually introduced, into legislation at different levels. The local level is very important in the field of action related to sustainable development. This is the level where we can undertake various activities that will lead to positive or negative changes, and their synergy has a significant impact globally. Urban vegetation as one of significant biotic factors in the urban structure contributes to all aspects of sustainability, especially environmental conditions and social conditions of sustainable urban development. The aim of this research is to show that documents and activities related to sustainable development at the local level highlight the importance of green spaces in planning sustainable urban areas. For the purposes of this research, three documents related to planning at the local level were selected: The Aalborg Charter, The Aalborg Commitments and The Basque Declaration, as well as three awards: The European Green Capital Award, The European Green Leaf and The Transformative Action Award. Focusing on green infrastructure or green areas and their benefits to the space in which they are located, it can be seen how important they are for sustainability aspects. Putting the importance of green spaces and certain aspects of sustainability in correlation, research shows that specific documents indirectly, and others in certain segments directly emphasize the importance of vegetation for the benefit of the whole community and comprehensive quality of life. Applications for awards given in the area of urban sustainability, in their concept the application highlight the importance of green spaces for the city. In addition to other roles, the importance of green space in creating a healthy and sustainable living environment for citizens, has been also mainstreamed through European initiatives and documents promoting sustainable development of cities and towns.

green space, European awards, European documents, local level, sustainable development

nije evidentirano