Authors

• Pouta, Pasi (University of Helsinki)
• Lampinen, Jussi (University of Helsinki)
• Kotze, Johan (University of Helsinki)
• Tahvonen, Outi (Häme University of Applied Sciences)

Keywords

biodiversity, conservation of nature, development areas (urban planning), environmental conservation, environmental planning, green spaces, municipality, regional planning, towns, urban areas, urban development, urban environment, urban spaces

Abstract

The survey examines the views of individuals working in tasks related to green infrastructure regarding urban grasslands as part of the green infrastructure of cities and municipalities. The survey was collected as part of a doctoral dissertation conducted at the University of Helsinki, the aim of which is to promote biodiversity in urban environments.

First, respondents were asked how their current or previous job description is related to green infrastructure and how they found out about the survey. Next, respondents were asked about their views on the benefits that urban grasslands provide as part of green infrastructure. After this, the survey used a series of statements to examine respondents' views on the aesthetic, social, and ecological characteristics of urban grasslands. The statements concerned, among other things, requirements for a tidy appearance of urban grasslands, pollinator-friendly vegetation, species diversity, and the use of grasslands for leisure and as meeting places.

Subsequently, respondents were asked to propose ways to promote biodiversity in urban grasslands and to consider the challenges associated with these measures and possible solutions. After this, respondents were asked to assess the extent to which they are able to influence biodiversity in urban grasslands through their own work. In addition, respondents were asked to evaluate the possibilities of other stakeholders, such as political decision-makers, research, green area planning, and green area construction, to influence biodiversity conservation.

Background variables included are the respondent's age, gender, response language, time of response, industry of employment, and number of years of work experience related to green infrastructure.