An urban greening action plan to foster sustainable development of south cities

Abstract

Urban greening contributes notably to environmental quality, quality of life, human health, and ecosystem services in cities. Worldwide, cities are making efforts to enhance urban greening to achieve urban sustainability. South cities are often beset by green space deficit especially in the old cores and neighbourhoods. Urban renewal and new developments could fail to bring relief. Lacking appropriate institutional setup and scientific capability pose intractable bottlenecks. Innovative public policies and greening technologies are needed for long-term improvements. Amalgamating natural and social sciences in a multidisciplinary approach and reinforcing the link between science and public policies could overhaul greening endeavours in south cities. The public and private sectors must work in tandem to insert plantable spaces and amenity vegetation into the urban fabric. Based on extensive field studies in north and south cities, and relevant urban ecological concepts, key domains are proposed for a sustainable urban greening action plan. Green spaces with high degree of connectivity forming a green network to permeate the city are hallmark features of the preferred naturalistic design. Preservation of natural ecosystems and creation of green areas with high nature contents and rich biodiversity offer a new dimension to green space design. The benefits of urban greening could be effectively manifested in economic terms to complement conventional ecological-environmental emphasis. Outstanding trees could receive high-order conservation efforts, and trees in construction sites warrant enhanced protection. Tree transplanting demands an overhaul in concepts and skills. Tree care needs to be upgraded in tandem with relevant professionals and workers. Improving roadside tree planting and maintenance offers a cost-effective way to upgrade the townscape. Ameliorating widespread soil limitations could remove a major hindrance to tree growth. Innovative ideas of development right transfer, street pedestrianization, river and canal revitalization, green roofs and green walls could mobilize hitherto underused plantable resources.