The Ogres Zilie kalni park urban forest management

Abstract

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of urban forests for human well-being at a time of tight constraints, when large forests close to urban areas were in high demand. Increased use affects the management of territories. Urban forests play an important role in providing ecosystem services. Urban forests show a close link between ecosystem services and forest functions. A literature review was carried out, exploring the ecosystem services and specific urban forest services provided by such territories. This article examines the experience of the Ogres Zilie kalni during the Covid-19 pandemic, taking into account the peculiar functions of urban forests. Different types of recreation that take place in the Ogres Zilie kalni, and their impact on park management are discussed. The aim of the article is to analyse and present the challenges of urban forest governance and management under the influence of Covid-19, looking through the functions of urban forests. Taking into account the classifications of ecosystem services available in Zilie kalni, zoning and assessment of the territory have been carried out. Cartographic material has been created based on practical experience and employee interviews. The practical experience of territory management gained during Covid-19 is important and should be taken into account in the future development of green spaces, respecting the new habits of visitors potentially affected by the pandemic, where one of the most important proposals is to develop more small localised recreation areas on smaller paths.