Humanizing sustainable development through green spaces: a case study of Saudi cities

Abstract

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This study aims to explore the impact of urban green spaces on improving quality of life and providing a healthier environment for residents, reflecting the growing global interest in green spaces and their role in sustainable development and climate change mitigation, especially in large cities like Jeddah. Analytical methods and field surveys were used to gather data from five urban parks in Jeddah. The study included questionnaires distributed to 409 park visitors between March and May 2021 to assess their satisfaction with park management, usage patterns, and social and environmental benefits. The findings indicate that green spaces play a crucial role in enhancing both mental and physical health, fostering social interactions, and reducing stress. Good infrastructure and a sense of safety increase visitor engagement, while the availability of green spaces per capita in Jeddah is relatively low compared to other cities. These results underscore the importance of developing public policies to improve access to and quality of green spaces in large urban areas. Green spaces can contribute to sustainable development goals by reducing social disparities and enhancing residents’ quality of life. The study recommends better green space management and increasing public awareness of their benefits.

Keywords

• humanization of urban spaces
• sustainable development
• Saudi cities
• urban green infrastructure
• environmental quality
• quality of life