T4.23 Preserving and improving the integrity and functioning of urban forests in the context of global change
Authors
Stojan Ivanović1, 2 , Ivana Živojinović3, 4, 5, Oliver Tošković6, Helga Pülzl7, Rik De Vreese7, Clive Davis8, Georg Winkel9, Dennis Roitsch9, Jakob Derks9, Silvija Krajter Ostoić10, Dijana Vuletić10, Jakub Kronenberg11, Marko Lovrić7, Corina Basnou12, Liisa Tyrväinen13, Nicola Da Schio14, Jelena Tomićević Dubljević2
1 University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, Joensuu, Finland
2 University of Belgrade, Faculty of Forestry, Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture, Belgrade, Serbia
3 Institute of Forest, Environmental and Natural Resource Policy, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Austria
4 European Forest Institute (EFI), Forest Policy Research Network, Vienna, Austria
5 Center for Bioeconomy, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Austria
6 Laboratory for Experimental Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
7 European Forest Institute (EFI), Joensuu, Finland
8 School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, Newcastle University, United Kingdom
9 Wageningen University, Department of Environmental Sciences, Forest and Nature Conservation Policy, Wageningen, Netherlands
10 Croatian Forest Research Institute, Jastrebarsko, Croatia
11 Social-Ecological Systems Analysis Lab, University of Lodz, Poland
12 CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain
13 Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Finland
14 Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Geography, Brussels, Belgium
Abstract
Urban forests in Europe cover around 10-15% of city areas, varying in extent and quality across regions and countries. They offer numerous ecological, social, and economic benefits. Accessibility to these forests is important and can be influenced by factors like distance, transportation options, motivation for visiting, and citizen preferences. However, not all residents have equal access to or spend the same amount of time in forests, emphasizing the need to enhance accessibility, quality, and management for inclusive community benefits.
To investigate these issues, an exploratory research was conducted in 33 European countries to investigate the patterns of use and access to urban forests. The study utilized a standardized online survey, resulting in a sample size of 10,462 participants.
The initial results reveal that a majority of respondents visit urban forests regularly, with 58.8% visiting 2-3 times a month or more frequently. The preference for accessing forests or parks by foot was indicated by 53.0% of the participants. Interestingly, variations exist among countries regarding the types of forests visited. Almost half of the countries predominantly favour 'Parks in cities or towns', while other countries show a relatively even distribution between 'Forests in the countryside' and 'Forests in or nearby cities or towns' (10-50%). The study further highlights that the intrinsic motivations for visiting urban forests in Europe, including the enjoyment of climate and beauty, seeking respite from daily routines, and the desire to learn about nature, are predominant. Extrinsic motivations, on the other hand, revolve around spending quality time with children and engaging in physical exercise. Notably, South-West and South-East European countries place higher importance on accessibility facilities in urban forests, including parking spaces, public transport, and secure bike stalls. In terms of intrinsic reasons for green space visits, such as physical exercise, escape from everyday life, climate enjoyment, and appreciation of nature, these regions also demonstrate stronger inclinations.
This research illuminates the diverse patterns of urban forest use across Europe. The findings underline the importance of considering socio-demographic factors and regional differences when planning and managing urban forests to cater to the needs and expectations of diverse populations.