Cities are more than just tall buildings, roads and infrastructure; they are the space where we live and tread upon on the quality of life. SDG goal 11.7 firmly argues that access to safe and inclusive green and public spaces should be universally available, regardless of gender, age, income or ability.
Mental health and social she-well-being are also improved by parks, playgrounds, community greenspace and open recreational space.
Universal Access to Safe, Inclusive Green & Public Spaces
The access of safe public spaces must be there for everyone for creating a sustainable and liveable environment. Green spaces are places where children play and learn. They are opportunities for older adults to move, rest and connect. Women and other minorities seek spaces so that they are safe, so they can feel respected.
They combat loneliness, make civic involvement more accessible and create an inclusive city. Furthermore, public spaces could help city efforts to fight climate change, improve air pollution and protect biodiversity by supporting green solutions.
Why Green and Public Spaces Are So Important
Public space is key to inclusive cities. They are shared cultural reference points across humanity. Clean, safe parks can help make people healthier by helping them exercise more and be less stressed out. Green spaces also provide natural cooling in what are known as urban heat islands and capture air pollutants.
Second, even as a matter of health, public space is required for democracy and equality. They organize community events, cultural festivals and peace gatherings. Planned with inclusion in mind, this is a place where women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities are able to feel every bit as comfortable and safe as men.
Challenges in Providing Universal Access
Green, public spaces like those are essential but there’s no getting around the fact that many cities face a broad array of problems:
- Urbanization pressure: Cities are expanding, and as land is developed for homes or businesses, green spaces often lose out.
- Disparities of Access: Low-income neighbourhoods often lack good green space, and generally have less green space than wealthier ones.
- Safety: Dark corners, an absence of security guards and inadequate facilities deter women, children and senior citizens from using public space.
- Lack of Maintenance: Many of the parks and open spaces are rendered out-of-use due to non-maintenance in growing cities.
- Climate Effect: Urban greening can be counteracted by heatwaves, over-flooding and pollution.
Key Actions for Safe & Inclusive Public Spaces
| Focus Area | Action Example |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-friendly pathways and ramps |
| Safety | Adequate lighting and security patrols |
| Community Involvement | Participatory planning and local management |
| Environmental Value | Tree planting, water features, and biodiversity |
| Equity | Equal distribution across all neighbourhoods |
Strategies to Improve Access
- Urban Planning Policies
Laws planning by cities is law acting on our environment, and that law must have not only a care tank but an order to affect the creation of public space. Governments should include this space in zoning laws as they develop master plans for cities. For every increment there should be space set aside for parks, playgrounds and open community space.
- Community Participation
Local people should design and manage public space. Participation in the design of the spaces means they will reflect the cultural aspirations and requirements of people who will use them.
- Safety and Accessibility
Designing public spaces that are lit, easy to navigate and with security infrastructure is safer for everyone, especially women and others who might be targeted.
- Greening Initiatives
Trees planted, community gardens established and blighted land cleaned up all serve to keep urban environments green and have a modicum of resilience.
- Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration from government, NGOs and business can help funding, designing and maintainable public spaces.
Benefits of Green & Free Spaces for All
- Health Benefits: Lower stress, more exercise, less obesity and cleaner air.
- Equal: Ensures spaces are welcoming to women, children and elderly.
- Environment: Protects biodiversity; storm water management and less heat damage.
- Economic Value: Increase property values, attracts tourism and jobs.
- The Identity: Commemorates customs & identity with public statuary, squares & cultural parks.
FAQs
Why is Target 11.7 important?
It is a way of signaling to the cities: These must be just and equal for all, by ensuring that they make their public places safe, inclusive and equitable, as well as properly sustainable.
How will urban health benefit from public places?
They reduce air pollution and increase people’s physical activity as well as their happiness levels.
What is the place of women, and other vulnerable populations, in designing public space?
It has been designed with safety and woman, child, cripple and old man accessibility in view.
Examples of successful green space collaborations?
Many models have been offered by the parks of Bogotá, a restoration to Seoul’s Cheon and New York City’s High Line.
What role do public spaces play in climate action?
They would also help fight urban heat islands, absorb carbon and support local biodiversity.
