Green space and other nature-based solutions are an essential component for the development of sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities. Explain (200 Words)
Refer - The Hindu
Enrich the answer from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 3 years
KEY POINTS
· As the UN World Cities report highlights, expect the present population of urban areas to increase from 55% to 68% by 2050.
· Green spaces in cities and towns besides providing various ecosystem services and public health benefits also offer services of psychological relaxation, stress reduction.
· The ever-increasing pace of urbanisation will make this condition even worse. There have been various international meetings, conferences and agreements to improve access to fair green space to achieve the objectives of sustainable urban policies.
· Ensuring environmental sustainability is one of the three interlinked principles of the New Urban Agenda adopted at the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) in 2016.
· The importance of green space has also been highlighted in Self Development Goal 11 dealing with sustainable cities and communities to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.
· To ensure a delicate balance between development and the environment, the activities aimed at a reduction in negative environmental externalities and their impact on natural resources and environmental services as an important aspect of green growth have become essential for city planners and managers.
