Assessing Spatial Variation of Cultural Ecosystem Services Within City’s Green Spaces

Abstract

Cultural ecosystem services (CES) are the facilities and processes that support social and cultural practices, as well as the holistic development of an individual. As a distinct category within the spectrum of ecosystem services, CES underscores the non-material advantages offered by ecosystems. This includes spiritual satisfaction, cognitive development, reflection, recreation, and aesthetic experiences, all of which contribute to the enhancement of human well-being. In the urban ecosystems, the demand for cultural ecosystem services (CES) has greatly increased due to higher stress levels in urban residents. Urban green spaces, as a vital component of modern cities, act as physical structures that enable and shape multiple aspects of human lifestyle. This study delves into how urban green spaces in cities contribute to human well-being in ways that go beyond just physical benefits. These spaces offer things like mental relaxation, spiritual connection, and cultural experiences, which are increasingly important in busy urban environments. Understanding the cultural ecosystem service potential of these spaces is thus essential for effective urban planning and management. At its core, the study aims to understand what makes these spaces culturally significant, to see how the physical features of parks relate to the cultural experiences they provide, and to come up with practical ideas for making these spaces more valuable and thus more usable to urban residents. Also, study explores how these services are distributed over a geographical area and what are the impacts of the spatial heterogeneity on service heterogeneity within different parts of a city. The research employs a multi-faceted approach, integrating traditional methods with advanced data mining techniques to tap into the collective wisdom and experiences of urban residents. The study yields valuable insights into the cultural ecosystem service potential of urban parks, and gardens. It integrates web sourced geotagged data to analyse and visualize the spatial distribution of UGS supply capacity and CES processes determining the actual use. ii Assessing spatial variation of cultural ecosystem services within city’s green spaces Anchored within the context of urban ecosystems, this study endeavours to highlight invaluable insights into the intricate relationship between UGS and CES, paving the way for informed urban planning and management strategies. By elucidating the spatial nuances of CES provision, the research aims to encourage a shift towards sustainable urban development, where green spaces emerge as vibrant hubs nurturing cultural enrichment and societal well-being.