How do you measure urban green space? INBO explores mapping methods for urban green space
How do you measure whether a neighbourhood has enough green space? And what is the best method to assess this objectively? In a new report, the INBO investigated how the Flemish 3+30+300 rule can be measured in practice. The 3+30+300 rule means that every home needs:
- a view of 3 trees
- at least 30 per cent of the surrounding area to be climate-friendly green space
- access to public green space within 300 metres
The study comes at a crucial time. After all, the European Nature Restoration Regulation also focuses on greening our urban environment, and requires, for example, that the loss of urban green space and tree canopy cover be halted and, in the long term, reversed into an upward trend. At the same time, local authorities are seeking reliable ways to plan, monitor and report on greening initiatives
The study explores existing mapping methods that are currently used – or could be used – in Flanders and compares them using an innovative evaluation framework based on relevance, robustness and realism.
Different mapping methods can yield widely varying results. The report concludes with three priorities relating to policy, monitoring and comparison over time: well-considered methodological choices, addressing knowledge gaps and the development of a Flemish approach to monitoring urban greening.
This will provide policymakers and researchers with consistent data to monitor urban greening, implement targeted measures and achieve the European and Flemish objectives regarding quality of life, climate resilience and biodiversity.