0% found this document useful (0 votes)
182 views3 pages

Valenzuela's Green Space Initiatives

Valenzuela City is working to increase urban green spaces to improve quality of life for residents. It currently has 3 existing parks but is developing 2 more parks and a bike lane. Green spaces are important for people to connect with nature in urban areas. Standards recommend a minimum of 9-50 square meters of green space per person. Valenzuela City needs 705 hectares of green space based on population but currently only has 2.28 hectares across 3 parks. The local government understands the need to balance industry and green spaces to achieve a sustainable and livable city.

Uploaded by

Theres Hope Ann
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
182 views3 pages

Valenzuela's Green Space Initiatives

Valenzuela City is working to increase urban green spaces to improve quality of life for residents. It currently has 3 existing parks but is developing 2 more parks and a bike lane. Green spaces are important for people to connect with nature in urban areas. Standards recommend a minimum of 9-50 square meters of green space per person. Valenzuela City needs 705 hectares of green space based on population but currently only has 2.28 hectares across 3 parks. The local government understands the need to balance industry and green spaces to achieve a sustainable and livable city.

Uploaded by

Theres Hope Ann
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to Valenzuela City Support SDG
  • SDG#14 Climate Action
  • Urban Planning and Population Density

Juan Dela Cruz May 13, 2021

H321 CLOHS
Macro Perspective in Tourism and Hospitality

Valenzuela City Support SDG

SDG#15 Life on Land

In solidarity with the theme “Restore Our Earth” for the 51st Earth Day celebration today, April 22,
Valenzuela City continues to solidify its efforts to restore the earth one green space at a time.

Already with three (3) existing parks, a fishing village, and a mini-park -- two (2) more parks and a bike
lane are in the pipeline.

As urbanization spread rapidly across the metropolis, it has become increasingly challenging for people
to commune with nature. With this, creating more open spaces and turning them into sustainable parks
is high on Valenzuela City’s priority list.

Green and good

Simply put, greening refers to the process of converting living spaces into its greener, more eco-friendly
version, usually by planting trees or seedlings. It may also necessitate incorporating more
environmentally friendly systems to modern infrastructure or one’s environment.
Urban green spaces pertain to pieces of land that are partially or entirely covered with vegetation. It
may include parks, gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, walking trails, and plazas.

SDG# Climate Action

To help the City in urban green space planning, the standards approach must be employed. Through
careful urban planning, each inhabitant is guaranteed access to utilize green spaces and fully enjoy the
socio-economic and environmental aspects of city living.

The provision of urban green spaces to its citizens allows for the establishment of a liveable city and
promotes sustainable urban development.

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that each city should allot a minimum of 9 sq. m.
(0.0009 hectares) to as much as 50 sq.m. (0.005 hectares) of green space per person. These spaces must
be safe, functional, accessible, and extensive enough to exceed the minimum space requirement for the
city to be deemed as one of the most liveable.

While a study conducted by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme showed that an urban
area with a minimum density of 150 dwellers per hectare has a generally accepted minimum standard
for public space of 45%. Of this percentage, 15% is for green space.
Valenzuela City, with its population of 664,614 and total land area of 4,700.83 hectares, has a
population density of 141.38 persons per hectare. A total of 705.12 hectares must be allotted for green
spaces.

The City’s first three (3) parks, the 1.09-hectare Valenzuela City People's Park, the 1.10-hectare
Valenzuela City Family Park, and the 0.09-hectare Polo Park, has a combined land area of only 2.28
hectares.

The City Government of Valenzuela is never new to the concept of liveability and creating more urban
green spaces. The local government understands the need to provide for a sustainable and an improved
quality of life to its residents, aiming to achieve the equilibrium between its vibrant industry and its green
spaces. Valenzuela City can only hope for a stronger sense of cooperation among Valenzuelanos – as more
projects are now underway to not only improve Valenzuela as a liveable city but also as a community.

Reference:

Divina, Rodelia. April 20, 2021. “ Valenzuela City Earth Day 2021: Restoring the Earth through more green
spaces.” Retrieved on May 13, 2021 from [Link]

Common questions

Powered by AI

Valenzuela City plans to meet WHO standards for urban green space allocation by creating more parks and recreational areas, enhancing the existing ones, and incorporating sustainable infrastructure systems. The WHO suggests a range of 9 to 50 square meters of green space per person. Valenzuela City, with its current initiatives, is working toward this goal by increasing its green spaces, although it currently falls short with only 2.28 hectares available against the recommended total of 705.12 hectares for its population of 664,614 residents. As such, the city must significantly increase its efforts to meet these standards fully .

Valenzuela City currently faces significant limitations regarding the land area dedicated to green spaces, with only 2.28 hectares available, far below the recommended 705.12 hectares for its population. This limitation is due to high population density and competing land uses stemming from urbanization. Addressing these limitations requires comprehensive urban planning that integrates green spaces into existing and future developments. The city can explore vertical green spaces, improve existing underutilized areas, and promote public-private partnerships for sustainable space development. Innovative designs and efficient land use strategies are essential to overcoming these constraints .

Valenzuela City faces significant challenges in balancing urbanization with green space development due to rapid urban expansion, high population density, and limited available land. As urbanization increases, the city finds it increasingly difficult to provide sufficient green spaces to meet WHO standards for livability. The city's current allocation for green spaces is much lower than what is required for its population size. Additionally, there is a need for coordinated efforts among the residents and authorities to ensure the planning and development of these spaces are sustainably managed and accessible, requiring both policy innovation and community cooperation .

To increase its green space per resident and meet international guidelines, Valenzuela City could implement several strategies. One approach is urban redevelopment that prioritizes green roofing and vertical gardens to maximize space. The city could also reclaim unused or underdeveloped lands and convert them into public parks or community gardens. Public-private partnerships can help fund these projects, while policy incentives could encourage developers to incorporate green spaces in new developments. Additionally, creating multi-functional green areas, like sports fields or event spaces within parks, ensures they meet diverse community needs. These strategies would enhance overall urban livability and sustainability .

The concept of 'livability' in urban areas is closely related to Valenzuela City's greening initiatives, as they directly enhance the quality of urban life. Livability includes providing access to green spaces, clean air, and recreational facilities, which are essential for promoting residents' well-being and environmental health. The city's greening efforts aim to create environments conducive to healthy living by increasing access to nature and outdoor activities, thus enhancing livability. Achieving livability through sustainable urban development ensures a balance between the city’s industrial vibrancy and its green spaces, crucial for a holistic urban living experience .

International standards play a crucial role in shaping Valenzuela City's strategy for green space development by providing benchmarks for urban planning. The World Health Organization's recommendations of green space per capita and the UN's guidelines on public space percentages inform the city's efforts to ensure adequate and accessible green areas for its population. By aligning with these standards, Valenzuela City aims to ensure its initiatives meet globally recognized criteria for sustainability and livability. These standards guide infrastructural projects, helping prioritize and plan developments that support the city's long-term environmental and social goals .

Valenzuela City encourages community participation in its greening efforts by fostering a sense of cooperation among its residents. This is achieved through local engagement programs and awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits of green spaces. Community involvement is crucial because it not only ensures project sustainability but also builds a sense of ownership and accountability among residents. This participation can lead to better maintenance of green spaces and more effective implementation of environmental policies, ultimately enhancing the city's efforts to create a livable and sustainable urban environment .

The proposed bike lanes in Valenzuela City have the potential to significantly improve urban mobility and environmental health. By providing dedicated lanes for cycling, the city can reduce traffic congestion and lower greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. This encourages a shift towards more sustainable forms of transportation, promoting physical activity and contributing to the reduction of urban pollution. Additionally, it enhances mobility for non-motorized commuters, fostering inclusivity and accessibility in urban transportation systems. Overall, bike lanes could lead to a healthier environment and more efficient city transport, aligning with urban sustainability goals .

Valenzuela City aims to achieve multiple socio-economic and environmental benefits through its green space initiatives. Environmentally, these spaces contribute to biodiversity conservation, reduced urban heat, and improved air quality. Socio-economically, they offer recreational opportunities, promote physical and mental well-being, and enhance community interactions, contributing to a higher quality of life. Additionally, these initiatives can increase property values and attract investments, fostering economic growth. Altogether, these benefits support the city's goal to provide a more sustainable and livable urban environment for its residents .

Valenzuela City is implementing several initiatives to promote sustainable urban development by increasing the number of urban green spaces. This is aligned with SDG #15 (Life on Land) and SDG #13 (Climate Action). The city is planning to add two more parks and a bike lane, supplementing its existing three parks, a fishing village, and a mini-park, as part of its urban planning strategy. These efforts are guided by the standards proposed by the World Health Organization and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, which recommend a minimum green space per person and public space percentages. Valenzuela City aims to provide a liveable city environment by ensuring access to green spaces, thereby improving the quality of life for its residents .

You might also like