Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies
Abstract Urban Green Spaces (UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad, Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreatio...
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| Format: | Article |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Scientific Reports |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07578-2 |
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| author | Sayyed Kifayatullah Zafeer Saqib Muhammad Irfan Khan Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq Dmitry E. Kucher Sajid Ullah Aqil Tariq |
| author_facet | Sayyed Kifayatullah Zafeer Saqib Muhammad Irfan Khan Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq Dmitry E. Kucher Sajid Ullah Aqil Tariq |
| author_sort | Sayyed Kifayatullah |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Urban Green Spaces (UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad, Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution. Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential Nature-Based Solution (NBS) for addressing urban challenges like heat islands, stormwater management, and social inequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking ecological and social balance. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-fd9d415ce85848e39ea03a76b24275ef |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2045-2322 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scientific Reports |
| spelling | doaj-art-fd9d415ce85848e39ea03a76b24275ef2025-08-20T03:37:27ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-07-0115111710.1038/s41598-025-07578-2Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategiesSayyed Kifayatullah0Zafeer Saqib1Muhammad Irfan Khan2Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq3Dmitry E. Kucher4Sajid Ullah5Aqil Tariq6Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic UniversityDepartment of Environmental Science, International Islamic UniversityDepartment of Environmental Science, International Islamic UniversityDepartment of Environmental Science, International Islamic UniversityDepartment of Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Engineering, RUDN UniversityDepartment of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering, Nangarhar UniversityDepartment of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forest Resource, Mississippi State UniversityAbstract Urban Green Spaces (UGS) are critical for fostering ecological sustainability and social equity in rapidly urbanizing cities like Islamabad, Pakistan. This study aimed to comprehensively map and classify Islamabad’s UGS, identify spatial disparities, and evaluate their ecological, recreational, and social functions. The research also proposed sustainable strategies for managing UGS to address urban challenges, including climate adaptation, biodiversity loss, and social inequity. The study developed a detailed spatial map of Islamabad’s UGS using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and high-resolution satellite imagery. Seven typologies were categorized and analyzed, including parks, playgrounds, institutional green spaces, and waterways. Field surveys and random sampling validated the thematic maps, achieving an accuracy rate of 95.68% based on statistical metrics like Kappa coefficients. The study revealed significant disparities in UGS distribution. Wealthier zones had larger, well-maintained green spaces, while denser areas lacked accessible and functional UGS. Recreational spaces, institutional greenery, and waterways played a vital role in enhancing biodiversity, urban aesthetics, and community well-being, though many remain underutilized or degraded. Institutional green spaces contributed significantly to urban sustainability, comprising 17.05 km² of the total UGS area. The research highlights UGS as an essential Nature-Based Solution (NBS) for addressing urban challenges like heat islands, stormwater management, and social inequalities. The findings serve as a model for other rapidly urbanizing cities seeking ecological and social balance.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07578-2Urban green spaceTypological factorsRemote sensingGISUrban aesthetics |
| spellingShingle | Sayyed Kifayatullah Zafeer Saqib Muhammad Irfan Khan Muhammad Zaman-ul-Haq Dmitry E. Kucher Sajid Ullah Aqil Tariq Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies Scientific Reports Urban green space Typological factors Remote sensing GIS Urban aesthetics |
| title | Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies |
| title_full | Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies |
| title_fullStr | Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies |
| title_full_unstemmed | Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies |
| title_short | Equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities: a GIS-based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies |
| title_sort | equitable urban green space planning for sustainable cities a gis based analysis of spatial disparities and functional strategies |
| topic | Urban green space Typological factors Remote sensing GIS Urban aesthetics |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07578-2 |
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