Nature in the city : unpacking the concept of urban green spaces from social science and urban planning perspectives

Rapid urbanization, environmental degradation, and widening health disparities are among the most pressing challenges facing contemporary society. Enhancing urban resilience offers a promising response, and a key step toward this is developing a shared understanding of the role Urban Green Space (UGS) can play in addressing both environmental and public health pressures. This study aims to clarify the multifaceted benefits of UGS within the broader Planetary Health framework, recognizing the conceptual fragmentation that often impedes effective planning and implementation. Adopting a multidisciplinary lens, the research integrates insights from environmental science, urban planning, and public health. A scoping review of 81 academic articles was conducted using the snowballing method to identify key concepts, benefits, and mechanisms associated with UGS. To explore how these academic insights are applied in practice, six semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders across national, municipal, and neighbourhood levels. Findings reveal a persistent gap between theory and implementation, with inconsistent definitions and limited monitoring contributing to ambiguity. In response, the study proposes a conceptual protocol to guide the classification, reporting, and communication of UGS. In conclusion, while urban planning is inherently complex, this research contributes to simplifying and structuring that complexity by synthesizing diverse perspectives into a coherent, actionable framework. By promoting clearer conceptualization and fostering a shared understanding, this study lays the groundwork for more coordinated, inclusive, and strategic approaches to the planning and implementation of UGS.