Ecosystem Services and Urban Green Spaces: Planning, Policy Development and Governance Implications

Urban ecosystems, which host most of the global population, are dynamic and multifaceted systems subject to continuous transformation. Within these ecosystems, green spaces, encompassing urban horticulture, cemeteries, urban forests, and nature-based solutions, serve as critical components for enhancing the well-being of urban residents. These green spaces provide a wide array of ecosystem services (ESs) vital for sustainable urban living. To ensure the continued provision of these services, it is imperative to map and assess them systematically. In addition, it is essential to critically analyze and refine policy frameworks, governance structures, and urban planning strategies that support the management and enhancement of these services. This Special Issue is dedicated to the mapping and assessment of urban ecosystem services, with a focus on the planning of urban green spaces to optimize the delivery of these services. It will also explore the formulation of coherent policy approaches regarding and strengthening governmental oversight of green spaces. Furthermore, it examines the dynamics of collaborative governance arrangements related to urban green spaces and investigates the use of innovative policy tools (such as living labs) for the establishment and enhancement of ecosystem services in urban settings.