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

Thesis Abstract

Access to urban green spaces (UGS) is integral to enhancing residents’ quality of life, promoting environmental sustainability, and fostering social cohesion. Despite its recognized significance, disparities in green space accessibility between coastal and inland cities remain underexplored, particularly regarding how geographical context influences spatial distribution, availability, and utilization of UGS. This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of urban green space accessibility in coastal and inland cities, with the specific objectives of assessing spatial distribution patterns, quantifying accessibility levels, and identifying socio-economic and environmental determinants affecting green space usage within these contrasting urban environments. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study integrates quantitative spatial analysis with qualitative assessments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The population includes residents of two coastal cities and two inland cities, sampled through stratified random sampling to include approximately 1,200 households (300 per city), ensuring representation across socio-economic strata. Spatial data collection involves high-resolution satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map green space distribution, while survey instruments comprise structured questionnaires designed to capture residents' perceptions, frequency of green space use, and socio-demographic information. Additionally, key informant interviews document policy frameworks and management practices related to UGS. Quantitative data will be processed using GIS-based spatial analysis, including network analysis to calculate green space accessibility indices such as the proximity measure, service area analysis, and the Green Space Ratio (GSR). Inferential statistics—including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)—will compare accessibility levels across the different city types. Moreover, multiple regression analysis will examine the influence of socio-economic and environmental factors on green space utilization, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Environmental Justice Framework, which underpin the analysis of behavioral patterns and equitable access. It is anticipated that the findings will reveal significant disparities in green space accessibility between coastal and inland cities, with coastal cities demonstrating higher proximity levels and better spatial distribution of UGS owing to geographic and infrastructural factors. The study expects to identify socio-economic disparities that influence accessibility and usage, alongside environmental considerations such as sea-level rise or inland terrain, impacting green space planning. These insights aim to elucidate how different urban contexts shape green space equity and inform targeted policy interventions. The research will contribute to existing knowledge by providing an empirical comparative framework that integrates spatial analysis with socio-behavioral insights, highlighting the contextual variability in UGS accessibility. It will offer novel evidence on how geographical and socio-environmental dynamics influence green space equity, thus informing urban planning and sustainable development policies. The main conclusion underscores the necessity for tailored urban greening strategies that account for geographical distinctions to promote equitable access for diverse urban populations. Based on the findings, recommendations include implementing context-specific green infrastructure development, revising urban planning policies to enhance equitable distribution, and fostering participatory governance involving local communities to optimize green space utilization. The study also suggests avenues for further research, such as longitudinal assessments of green space initiatives and exploring the impacts of climate change on accessibility patterns. Ultimately, this research underscores the importance of integrating spatial, socio-economic, and environmental considerations in urban green space planning to foster resilient and inclusive cities across varied geographical contexts.