Reclaiming nature in cities : an economic valuation approach across the socio-economic gradient in Potchefstroom

Abstract

Nature is essential to urban quality of life, yet urban green spaces (UGSs) are continuously competing with other land-uses with explicit monetary contributions to the city economy. Indeed, the economic benefits delivered by UGSs are often underestimated. In an attempt to strengthen the case for urban greening and to reclaim nature in cities, this research considered urban green spaces from an economic spatial perspective. It reflected on planning-related challenges including urban expansion that will continue to threaten UGSs in future decades as urban areas will need to absorb most of the population due to the rapid rates of urbanisation on a global and regional scale, causing detrimental environmental effects. This research considered the proximity principle, an indicator of the economic benefits of urban green spaces, as part of a hedonic price analysis method to determine the impact of urban green spaces on property value across the socio-economic gradient in Potchefstroom, South Africa. This local case study was selected based on the assumption that context-specific conditions between different socio-economic groups would deliver contrasting results in terms of how UGSs influence property value. The primary data was gathered through statistical analyses that determined the applicability of the proximity principle across the socio-economic gradient in Potchefstroom. Supporting quantitative data was gathered through structured questionnaires and electronic interviews to gather local and professional perceptions of urban green space (UGS) benefits and UGS planning, as well as the process of compiling a municipal valuation roll. Results indicated distinct differences in proximity principle applicability between different socio-economic groups and planning contexts. Context-specific conditions and the socio-economic status of an area determine UGS characteristics and community needs, influencing willingness-to-pay and how UGSs influence property value. The research results contributed to the discourse on the economic benefits of UGSs and presented the trends of such benefits within the local case study of 2020, in comparison with the results of similar studies conducted in 2015 and 2019 respectively. The results emphasised the need to rethink the planning and design of UGSs while considering context-specific conditions and active community involvement. This research calls for greater acknowledgement towards UGS contributions to the city economy, urban environmental quality and human well-being by local municipalities, communities and private investors. Ultimately this research calls for UGS planning to be prioritised in mainstream planning approaches in an attempt to encourage sustainable urban development.