Stewardship of urban ecosystem services: understanding the value(s) of urban gardens in Barcelona

Abstract

The notion and assessment of ecosystem services(ES)valuesis becoming anestablished part of the discourse regarding urban green space performance. Yet, underlying factors enabling ES values are stillpoorly understood. We assume the production of ES value crucial for environmental stewardship in cities, and aimed in this study to uncover their key enabling factors. This study has beendeveloped on a broad data baseincludinga survey(n=201), interviews(n=46), field observation and remote sensing from 27 urban gardens in Barcelona, Spain, including municipal ‘allotment gardens’ and ‘civic gardens’ emerging from bottom-up initiatives.In a first step, we distinguished different urban gardenstypes regarding the ESvalues they provide. In a second step, we testedspecific garden characteristics including (a) user profiles,(b) biophysicalgardenproperties, and (c) institutional settings fortheirspecific importanceto triggerES values. Results showedES values to significantly differ with the typesof gardens. For example, classical allotment gardens are more likely to provide recreational values, while emerging civic gardens are more likely to produce place-makingand social cohesion.A main finding from our study is the importance of social and institutional garden characteristic as enabling factors of ES values. Results indicate,for example, a correlation between childhood experiences and a higher appreciation of ES.Our results further indicate thatcivic gardens with broader property rights and decision-capacities are more likely to enhancestewardship action.In providing a differentiated understanding of the ES value(s) of urban gardens, this study highlights the potential for green space planning in citiesto steer the stewardship of urban gardens by providing institutional and physicalspace for civic gardening initiatives.