Comparative Analysis of Urban Green Space Accessibility in Developed and Developing Cities

Thesis Abstract

Urban green spaces are critical components of sustainable city development, promoting environmental quality, public health, and social cohesion; however, disparities in their accessibility persist between developed and developing cities, often reflecting broader socio-economic inequalities and urban planning deficiencies. Addressing this gap, the study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of urban green space accessibility in two major cities—Metropolis in a developed country and Nueva in a developing country—objectives which include identifying spatial distribution patterns, assessing socio-economic equity in access, and exploring urban planning policies influencing these disparities. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining spatial analysis and socio-economic surveys to generate comprehensive insights. Quantitative data are collected through a structured questionnaire administered to a sample size of 600 residents (300 from each city), using stratified random sampling to ensure demographic representativeness. Spatial data are obtained from satellite imagery and city planning GIS layers, with accessibility analyzed via network analysis and the use of the Two-Step Floating Catchment Area (2SFCA) method to quantify physical and perceived accessibility. Qualitative data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with urban planners and key stakeholders, with thematic analysis employed to interpret policy frameworks and planning practices. The data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, inferential techniques including ANOVA for cross-city comparisons, and regression analysis to determine socio-economic determinants of green space access; GIS-based spatial analysis will quantify disparities in distribution. The study is guided by theories of environmental justice and urban social equity, providing a theoretical lens to interpret findings. It is expected that the results will reveal significant disparities in green space accessibility, with residents of Nueva experiencing markedly lower levels of access compared to those in Metropolis, especially among socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Spatial analysis is anticipated to highlight uneven distribution patterns linked to urban form, land use policies, and income levels. The findings will contribute to existing knowledge by systematically contrasting access issues in different developmental contexts, offering empirical evidence on how urban planning practices influence green space equity. The study aims to inform policymakers about the spatial and social dimensions of green space accessibility, emphasizing the importance of equitable distribution strategies. It concludes that fostering inclusive urban green space policies requires integrating spatial planning with social policy, particularly in rapidly urbanizing developing cities. Recommendations include adopting integrated GIS-based planning tools, revising land use regulations to prioritize green space equity, and promoting community participation in urban planning processes. The research also advocates for further comparative studies incorporating additional cities to generalize findings and develop context-specific best practices for urban green space management. Overall, this study advances understanding of spatial and social inequities in urban green space accessibility, highlighting essential pathways for achieving more sustainable, equitable urban environments globally.