Urban green infrastructure
The event was an excellent opportunity to connect with a new audience and disseminate emerging findings.
Professor Sarah Lindley / Geography _ School of Environment, Education and Development, The University of Manchester
Key outcomes from the conference session
Urban green spaces, infrastructure and human health are interrelated.
The aged members of the community stated that green spaces provided opportunities for social interaction, participation in diverse activities, which brings exhilaration and peace.
The voices and contribution of members of local communities including women are necessary during the planning and development of urban areas concerning the creation of green spaces.
A greener future in urban cities could be enhanced by communication/inclusivity of interested groups including academics/researchers.
Background
The future of urban areas can be sustained through the implementation of practices that will lead to a greener future. This practice could include interaction with affected communities in the planning, process and development of urban areas.
Discussion
At the 2019 conference, Professor Sarah Lindley, from The University of Manchester, shared a case study of urban Greater Manchester.
It was observed that inclusivity, which occurs at green spaces, ensures the voices of the local communities are heard and they can contribute effectively to making their cities greener. While green infrastructure reduces heat, noise and air pollution, it also influences our social welfare in terms of human behaviour and mood.
Green spaces are important for an ageing population however, healthy ageing is unevenly distributed in Manchester, UK, with respect to available green spaces and the economic welfare of certain areas.
