Urban parks as an important component of environmental infrastructure: Biodiversity conservation and recreational opportunities

Abstract

The ecological development of a modern urbanised territory is grounded in the fundamental concepts of sustainable green development, the concept of which reflects the satisfaction of the city’s needs while preserving the environment. The study has the objective of formulating recommendations to enhance the institutional structure of urban parks. These recommendations are aimed at aligning park operations with the principles of sustainable green development in cities. Additionally, the study seeks to improve the social and economic efficiency of the environmental infrastructure in urban areas. To achieve these goals, the study employed general scientific methods of cognition. They include analysis, abstraction, synthesis, induction, and deduction. The study also utilized methods of specification and formalisation. Throughout the research, the focus was on investigating the existing state of the management system for urban parks and evaluating the reserves of their recreational capabilities. It is established that the park economy of Ukraine is currently functioning in isolation, so the environmental optimisation of this area requires the formation of a modern approach to the management and organisation system. It has been determined that green areas of the city are a basic prerequisite for preserving the species diversity of local ecosystems. The primary directions for development of urban park systems in the direction of recreation are highlighted. The specifics of their management process with the involvement of modern monitoring and investment opportunities are investigated, and further development prospects are outlined. The study recommends key measures to improve the situation in the examined field. These measures encompass the enhancement of recreational opportunities within parks, the monitoring and control of anthropogenic impact on the environment, the regulation of quality and safety standards, and the preservation of biodiversity in local ecosystems. The practical significance of the research results is evident in their potential application in the development of programs. These programs are designed to enhance the efficiency of urban parks, elevate their recreational value, and establish a resilient ecological park network in Ukraine