Comparative Analysis of Urban Green Space Management in Coastal and Inland Cities

Thesis Abstract

Urban green spaces play a vital role in enhancing environmental sustainability, social well-being, and urban resilience, yet their management varies markedly across different geographical contexts. This study investigates the comparative management approaches, effectiveness, and sustainability of urban green spaces in coastal versus inland cities, addressing the growing concern over urban environmental degradation and the equitable distribution of green resources. The primary aim is to identify contextual differences, best practices, and challenges associated with green space management in these distinct urban settings to inform policy and urban planning strategies. The specific objectives include assessing policy frameworks, stakeholder participation, ecological sustainability practices, and maintenance strategies, as well as evaluating residents' utilization and satisfaction levels with urban green spaces in both city categories. The research adopts a mixed-methods design, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of green space management. The quantitative component involves a structured questionnaire administered to a sample of 400 residents (200 from a representative coastal city and 200 from an inland city), selected via stratified random sampling to capture diverse demographic and socio-economic profiles. The qualitative aspect includes semi-structured interviews with 20 key informants comprising urban planners, environmental managers, and community leaders involved in green space management. Data collection instruments include a harmonized survey instrument, interview guides, and official policy document review. Validity and reliability are ensured through pre-testing, expert validation, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients exceeding 0.8 for all survey scales. Data analysis employs descriptive statistics, inferential techniques such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to compare management practices between coastal and inland cities, and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Regression analysis examines the influence of socio-economic and policy factors on green space effectiveness. The study draws on the Environmental Governance Theory and Sustainable Urban Development Theory to frame the analysis, emphasizing governance structures, stakeholder engagement, and ecological sustainability. It is anticipated that the findings will reveal significant differences in management practices, policy implementation, and community participation between coastal and inland cities, influenced by geographic vulnerability, resource availability, and climatic factors. Coastal cities are expected to demonstrate greater integration of ecological conservation practices due to their vulnerability to climate change impacts, whereas inland cities may focus more on recreation and urban beautification. The comparison aims to identify transferable strategies, highlight management challenges specific to each context, and recommend tailored policy interventions. This research contributes to knowledge by providing a nuanced understanding of contextual factors influencing urban green space management across diverse geographical settings, thus extending existing literature rooted predominantly in singular city case studies. It offers practical insights for urban planners, environmental policymakers, and community stakeholders on optimizing green space management tailored to geographic vulnerabilities and socio-economic realities. Conclusively, the study underscores the importance of adaptive, inclusive, and sustainable governance models for urban green spaces and advocates for enhanced stakeholder engagement and policy integration. The study recommends the adoption of integrated management frameworks that consider geographic and ecological peculiarities, increased community participation, and policy harmonization across governance levels to improve green space sustainability. Further research is suggested to extend comparative analyses to other urban typologies and incorporate longitudinal assessments of green space management outcomes, thus supporting continuous improvement in urban environmental resilience and social well-being.