Socioeconomic functions of private green spaces in a residential zone of Galle city, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Considering the current trends veered towards urbanization, it is forecast that by the end of the twentieth century, about 90% of the world’s population would have resorted to urbanized living. Owing to the growing trend in urbanization, vast changes are taking place in relation to the distribution of the human settlements, which cast a rapid deterioration of green coverage in the metropolitan areas. Green spaces perform a variety of functions and important to the urban environment in many ways. ‘Green space’ is a crucial player, when it comes to the contribution it makes by improving the quality of the city environment. Its’ contribution varies from improving of the quality of air, urban health, reducing urban heat island effect, lessening noise, conservation of biodiversity to bestowing significant socioeconomic advantages. Previous studies confirmed the important, beneficial role that the urban green spaces play in relation to the environment, society and economy. This paper evaluates the socio-economic functions of private green spaces in a primary residential zone of Galle City in Sri Lanka. Twelve variables were recognized for the purpose and the variables proposed were both qualitative and quantitative in nature. A survey with 280 residential units in the selected residential zone was carried out and the data was used in a multiple regression analysis. Models were developed to demonstrate the functions of private green spaces. Results revealed that only 13 percent of the private green spaces served for social functions. It was interesting to note that only a mere 5 percent of the private gardens served for economic functions. The role that the private gardens play in social functions was considerably higher than economic functions. Utilizing private garden spaces for recreational activities was substantially higher compared to the other social functions that they were used for. The findings emphasize that the private green spaces possess the ability to offer a variety of functions towards the positive contribution to the urban environment and its population, however it can be surmised that green spaces are not functioning in its’ full potential in the city of Galle in Sri Lanka.