Green spaces of Colombo: the need for planned interventions

Abstract

The significant contribution of green vegetation in strengthening urban sustainability is often underestimated. Thus, the urban green spaces (UGS) are being threatened due to escalating population and developmental pressures in many countries. This paper presents a study that evaluated the temporal change of UGS in 47 wards in Colombo from 1960 to 2010. It employed geographic information systems, aerial photography and remotely sensed imagery. In order to identify the perceived value of UGS to its users, a public assessment using a questionnaire survey was conducted. Today UGS occupies 24% of the total land area of the Colombo City some being man-modified (GM) and some natural (GN). In 2010, only 4 and 11 wards contained ≥ 25% area of GN and GM respectively compared to 31 GN and 6 GM-UGS in 1960. The drop of GN highlights the depth of ecological damage that has occurred to the city environment while the growth of GM reflects the enthusiasm of city dwellers in upgrading greenery of the environment. This coincided with the perception and emotional experiences of the majority of city dwellers on UGS as they consider GM-UGS as places that provide freedom, happiness, and pleasure, and thereby strengthen bonds with Nature as well as family members. They are areas to play with children, and meet friends and relatives. It was evident that parks/recreational areas, and street trees acted as “an oasis” for the busy life of many individuals. However, active involvement of individuals with UGS was poorly represented during the public assessment of UGS. Thus the study proposes that the city planners improve existing UGS by adding walkways, jogging tracks and outdoor play and study areas to encourage active engagement of people. It is also suggested to adopt community-based tree planting and volunteer tree maintenance programmes that may contribute to increase the green cover of the City.