Examining the Impact of Urban Green Space Changes on Public Health: Fid-Bau Portal

Examining the Impact of Urban Green Space Changes on Public Health

Jombo, Simbarashe

Urban green spaces play a vital role in promoting the mental and physical well-being of urban residents. Understanding the health benefits derived from these green spaces is essential for effective urban planning, improving the health sector, and ensuring sustainable urban management. However, studies that focus on the availability and accessibility of urban green space in Africa are scarce. This study investigates the impact of changes in urban green spaces on public health in Bloemfontein, South Africa. The study quantifies the availability and accessibility of urban green spaces in the study area between 2010 and 2020. The significance of urban green spaces for the well-being of residents are determined by assessing potential health impacts resulting from changes in availability and accessibility. Urban green spaces were extracted, and their availability and accessibility were calculated. The results reveal a concerning decrease of 2.09% in urban green spaces between 2010 and 2020. Accessibility to these spaces also declined by 6.72%. Such decreased rates have adverse effects on residents, affecting their physical and mental well-being. This, in turn, hampers the country’s pursuit of achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG13 (Climate Action), and SDG15 (Life on Land). Addressing the findings of this study can provide valuable guidance to municipalities, forest managers, government agencies, and other stakeholders. By strategically increasing urban green spaces, these entities can promote the achievement of the SDGs, especially those related to urban trees, ultimately fostering sustainable development and public health in the area.