GIS-based accessibility analysis of urban park green space landscape – Nature

 

Report on the Accessibility of Urban Park Green Space in Baotou City and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

This report presents a multi-dimensional analysis of the accessibility of urban park green space in the central urban area of Baotou City, Inner Mongolia. The study evaluates the spatial layout and service efficiency of parks, with a significant emphasis on their contribution to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Using a comprehensive methodological framework, the analysis reveals that while Baotou’s central urban area demonstrates a generally effective park green space system, significant disparities exist between administrative districts. The findings highlight both successes in providing accessible green spaces and critical areas for improvement to ensure equitable, inclusive, and sustainable urban development. The overall layout is scientifically planned, with over 53% of parks exceeding average service levels and most public green spaces located within a 20-minute walking circle for residents. However, spatial imbalances persist, indicating a need for targeted interventions to fully align with SDG principles.

1.0 Introduction: Aligning Urban Green Space with Sustainable Development Goals

Urban park green spaces are critical infrastructure for advancing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They are integral to achieving several SDGs by providing essential ecosystem services and enhancing the quality of urban life. This report frames the analysis of Baotou’s park system within this global context.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Specifically targeting Target 11.7, which calls for universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible green and public spaces. The accessibility of parks is a direct measure of progress toward this goal.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: Parks offer spaces for recreation, social interaction, and relaxation, which are vital for physical and mental health. They also mitigate urban heat island effects and reduce pollution, contributing to healthier living environments.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The equitable distribution of park green spaces is a matter of spatial justice. This study assesses whether all citizens, regardless of their residential district, have fair access to these public resources, thereby addressing urban inequalities.

The central challenge in rapidly urbanizing areas is the tension between development and the preservation of green ecological resources. This study investigates whether the current distribution of park green space in Baotou effectively meets residents’ needs and ensures equitable access, providing a scientific basis for optimizing urban planning in line with sustainable development principles.

2.0 Methodological Framework for Assessing SDG Alignment

To provide a robust evaluation of park accessibility and its contribution to the SDGs, this study employed a multi-faceted analytical approach using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. The methodology was designed to assess spatial proximity, resource attractiveness, and accessibility costs.

2.1 Data Sources and Processing

The analysis utilized high-resolution remote sensing imagery (Landsat 8 OLI, 2022) and administrative data from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Land use types were classified to create a detailed spatial database of the study area, which includes the five central administrative regions of Baotou: Kundulun District, Qingshan District, Donghe District, Jiuyuan District, and the Rare Earth High-tech Zone.

2.2 Analytical Methods

A combination of five distinct methods was used to evaluate the service radius and accessibility of park green spaces:

1. Buffer Zone Analysis: Established spatial influence zones (500m, 1000m, 2000m) around parks to measure basic service coverage, providing a preliminary assessment of Target 11.7.
2. Gravity Model Method: Assessed the attractiveness of parks based on their size and proximity to residential areas, offering a nuanced view of service capacity.
3. Cost-Weighted Distance Method: Calculated accessibility based on travel time, simulating the real-world effort required for residents to reach parks and directly relating to the well-being aspect of SDG 3.
4. Minimum Traffic Cost Method: Evaluated accessibility by considering road network density and population distribution, linking infrastructure to public service equity (SDG 10 & 11).
5. Minimum Proximity Distance Method: Analyzed accessibility from residential areas based on community life circle standards (e.g., 5, 10, 15-minute walking distances), providing a human-centric measure of access.

3.0 Results: Assessing Green Space Equity and Accessibility

The analysis reveals a complex picture of park green space accessibility in Baotou, with overall positive performance marred by significant spatial inequalities between districts, highlighting challenges in fully achieving SDG 10 and 11.

3.1 Overall Service Coverage

• The cumulative service coverage for the most accessible park categories (Grades I, II, and III) reaches 51.91%, indicating that over half the central urban area has good access.
• Approximately 80% of residential areas are within a 20-minute walking distance of a park, suggesting that the city is largely meeting the fundamental recreational needs of its citizens, contributing positively to SDG 3.
• The average service radius coverage for all parks is 12.82%, with 48.89% of parks performing above this average, indicating a generally high level of service efficiency.

3.2 Inter-District Disparities and SDG 10 Implications

A significant gradient difference exists in service levels across administrative units, reflecting an inequitable allocation of green resources.

1. High-Performing Districts (Qingshan and Kundulun): These districts exhibit the highest service efficiency and spatial accessibility. Their well-developed green space networks effectively meet the recreational needs of residents, aligning well with SDG 3 and 11.
2. Mid-Level Districts (Jiuyuan and Rare Earth High-tech Zone): These areas generally meet daily recreational needs. However, their per capita green space is excessively high due to low population density, indicating a potential waste of resources and a mismatch between supply and demand.
3. Underperforming District (Donghe): This district shows poor performance in key indicators, including service radius coverage and accessibility. The insufficient quantity and imbalanced layout of parks create service blind spots, failing to provide equitable access for its residents and falling short of SDG 10 and 11 targets.

4.0 Discussion: Rationality of Green Space Services and Methodological Considerations

4.1 Progress and Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Urbanism

The findings indicate that Baotou has made considerable progress in developing a functional park green space system. The high accessibility in districts like Qingshan and Kundulun serves as a model for sustainable urban planning. However, the disparities reveal a critical challenge for the city: ensuring that the benefits of green infrastructure are shared equally among all residents. The situation in Donghe District, in particular, underscores the need for targeted interventions to address spatial injustice and advance SDG 10. The inefficient resource allocation in Jiuyuan and the Rare Earth High-tech Zone highlights the need for planning that is more responsive to demographic realities.

4.2 Methodological Limitations and Future Directions

While the multi-method approach provides a comprehensive assessment, certain limitations must be acknowledged. The models primarily focus on physical and temporal accessibility, with less emphasis on socio-cultural factors, park quality, or the diverse needs of different population groups (e.g., the elderly, children). Future research should integrate these qualitative dimensions to create a more holistic framework for evaluating progress towards the SDGs. Incorporating dynamic data, such as real-time traffic and user behavior, could further refine accessibility models and support smarter, more responsive urban planning.

5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations for Advancing the SDGs

5.1 Conclusion

The park green space system in the central urban area of Baotou is characterized by a reasonable overall layout but significant imbalances in spatial allocation. While the city largely meets the basic recreational needs of its population, the unequal distribution of these essential public services across districts hinders the full realization of SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The high service levels in Qingshan and Kundulun districts demonstrate the potential for effective green space planning, whereas the deficiencies in Donghe District highlight an urgent need for corrective action.

5.2 Recommendations

To optimize the spatial layout of park green spaces and advance the Sustainable Development Goals, the following actions are recommended:

• Enhance Spatial Equity (SDG 10 & 11): Prioritize the development of new parks and the upgrading of existing ones in underserved areas, particularly Donghe District. Implement policies to ensure a balanced distribution of small and medium-sized community parks to eliminate service blind spots.
• Strengthen Green Networks (SDG 11 & 15): Develop a hierarchical green network by creating ecological corridors that connect existing parks. Enhance waterfront greenways and integrate “pocket parks” into dense urban fabrics to improve overall connectivity and accessibility.
• Promote Health and Well-being (SDG 3): Ensure that park design and programming cater to the diverse needs of all age groups and abilities, promoting active lifestyles and social cohesion.
• Adopt Data-Driven Planning: Continue to use and refine GIS-based analytical tools to monitor accessibility and guide future urban planning decisions, ensuring that green space development is both equitable and efficient.

By addressing these spatial imbalances, Baotou can enhance the well-being of all its citizens, foster greater social equity, and build a more resilient and sustainable urban future in line with the global 2030 Agenda.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article on the accessibility of urban park green spaces in Baotou City addresses several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The analysis primarily revolves around urban planning, public well-being, environmental quality, and social equity, which are core components of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The following SDGs are most relevant:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article connects urban parks to public health by stating they “provide nearby residents with spaces for exercise, social interaction, and recreation, thereby playing a vital role in improving public health, enhancing quality of life, and fostering positive social relationships.” This directly links the provision and accessibility of green spaces to the well-being of the urban population.

• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

  A central theme of the article is the “fairness and efficiency of urban park green space utilization” and the issue of “inequitable access to shared park green spaces among residents.” The study analyzes the “significant gradient difference in the service level between administrative division units,” highlighting disparities in green space access. For instance, it points out that the service effect in Donghe District is “poor” compared to the “prominent” service efficiency in Qingshan and Kundulun Districts, thus addressing the goal of reducing inequalities within a city.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  This is the most prominent SDG in the article. The entire study is an evaluation of urban infrastructure, specifically “urban park green space,” which is a key element of sustainable cities. The article assesses the “rationality of urban park spatial layout” and aims to “provide theoretical support for optimizing ecological space layouts” and a “scientific basis for the compilation of specialized park green space system planning.” This aligns perfectly with the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The article acknowledges the ecological role of urban parks, describing them as a “critical component of urban green space” and an “essential carrier of green infrastructure” that “regulates local urban climates, mitigates noise and air pollution.” By evaluating the distribution and effectiveness of these green spaces, the study implicitly supports the protection and integration of urban ecosystems into planning, which is relevant to preserving terrestrial ecosystems.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s detailed analysis, several specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 11.7: Provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.

   The article is fundamentally an assessment of this target. It analyzes the “accessibility of leisure and recreation service radius of urban park green space” and whether it can “adequately meet the public’s need for accessible leisure spaces.” The study uses various methods to measure the “service radius coverage,” “walking circle of residents,” and identifies “service blind spots,” all of which are efforts to evaluate universal access to public green spaces.

2. Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for human settlement planning.

   The research aims to address shortcomings in urban planning, noting that the “prevailing green space evaluation system overly emphasizes quantitative metrics, neglecting deeper considerations such as park service radius coverage and social equity.” The conclusion provides recommendations to “optimize urban green space systems” through “balanced distribution,” which directly contributes to enhancing the capacity for sustainable human settlement planning.

3. Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

   The article supports this target by highlighting the role of parks in “improving public health, enhancing quality of life, and fostering positive social relationships.” The focus on providing spaces for “leisure and recreation” is a direct contribution to promoting the well-being of urban residents, which is a key component of this target.

4. Target 10.2: Promote the social inclusion of all.

   The study’s emphasis on “spatial accessibility and service equity” and its finding of “imbalances in the distribution of administrative regions” directly relate to this target. By identifying districts like Donghe where green space accessibility is poor, the article calls for planning that ensures more equitable access to public resources, thereby promoting social inclusion.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article explicitly uses and implies several quantitative and qualitative indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets, particularly for SDG 11.7.

• Indicators for Target 11.7.1 (Proportion of city that is open public space and its accessibility):

  1. Service Radius Coverage: The article calculates this metric extensively. For example, it finds the “cumulative coverage rate of the three-level service area reaches 51.91%” and that the “average service radius coverage of all parks in the central urban area of Baotou City is 12.82%.”
  2. Accessibility by Walking Time: This is a key indicator used throughout the study. The article states that “Most of the public green spaces are located in the 20-minute walking circle of residents” and that “About 80% of residential areas can reach public green space within 20 min of walking.” It also categorizes accessibility into zones like “< 5 min, 5 to 10 min," etc.
  3. Accessibility by Distance: The buffer zone analysis uses distance-based indicators, creating a “500 m radiation circle, 1000 m coverage area and 2000 m expansion zone” to evaluate accessibility.
  4. Spatial Accessibility Index: The article mentions that the “spatial accessibility index” for Qingshan and Kundulun districts is “significantly better than other urban areas,” implying a composite score is used.
  5. Per Capita Green Space Area: This is mentioned as an indicator, noting that in Jiuyuan District and the Rare Earth Hi-tech Zone, the “per capita park green space area has far exceeded the national standard,” indicating a mismatch between supply and demand.

• Indicators for Target 10.2 (Social Inclusion):

  1. Disparities in Service Levels Across Administrative Units: The primary indicator for inequality is the “significant gradient difference in the service level between administrative division units.” The comparison of high-performing districts (Qingshan, Kundulun) with underserved ones (Donghe) serves as a direct measure of spatial inequality in access to public services.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators Identified in the Article
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities	11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces. 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning.	Accessibility of leisure and recreation service radius. Park service radius coverage (e.g., “cumulative coverage rate…reaches 51.91%”). Percentage of residential area within a specific walking time (e.g., “80% of residential areas within the 20-min walking coverage circle”). Spatial distribution balance and identification of “service blind spots.” Evaluation of the rationality of the “overall layout of the park green space system.”
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	3.4: By 2030, reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being.	Provision of spaces for exercise, social interaction, and recreation. Accessibility to parks to meet “daily recreational needs of citizens.” Contribution of parks to “enhancing quality of life.”
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities	10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.	Analysis of “spatial heterogeneity” and “gradient difference in the service level between administrative division units.” Measurement of “fairness and efficiency of urban park green space utilization.” Identification of “inequitable access” and disparities in service quality between districts (e.g., Donghe vs. Qingshan).
SDG 15: Life on Land	15.9: By 2020, integrate ecosystem and biodiversity values into national and local planning.	Evaluation of urban parks as “green infrastructure” and their ecological functions (climate regulation, pollution mitigation). Analysis of green space as a core element for “optimizing eco-livability environments.”

Source: nature.com