Articles
Integrating cultural values in assessing the ecosystem services of urban street trees
Article number
1434_9
Pages
63 – 70
Language
English
Abstract
This study focus on evaluating the aesthetical, edible and medicinal aspects of ecosystem service values of street trees, emphasizing simplicity and objectivity in operation.
Traditional methods for evaluating the value of ecosystem services often focus on ecological and environmental values of natural environments in rural or regional settings, overlooking subjective cultural values such as aesthetics, edible, or medicinal values of urban greening.
In urban environments with limited green spaces, street trees are crucial in beautifying the city and forming a cultural media for connecting the urbanites.
Selecting non-native landscape tree species with higher survival rates in harsh urban conditions is standard practice.
These practices are often not fully considered in the conventional evaluation of ecosystem services.
To address the unique characteristics, selection, and management considerations in urban environments, this study evaluates social and cultural values, including flowering, edibility, and utility.
This approach can serve as a complementary decision-making tool for municipal authorities in managing green spaces and street trees.
The research focuses on street trees in Chiayi City, Taiwan.
Reviewing literature and integrating various evaluation indicators, this study conducted a preliminary assessment using data from the Chiayi City Government’s publicly available landscaping research project.
The results were compared with assessments from other cities to gain insights into the contribution of street trees in Chiayi City to ecosystem services.
Traditional methods for evaluating the value of ecosystem services often focus on ecological and environmental values of natural environments in rural or regional settings, overlooking subjective cultural values such as aesthetics, edible, or medicinal values of urban greening.
In urban environments with limited green spaces, street trees are crucial in beautifying the city and forming a cultural media for connecting the urbanites.
Selecting non-native landscape tree species with higher survival rates in harsh urban conditions is standard practice.
These practices are often not fully considered in the conventional evaluation of ecosystem services.
To address the unique characteristics, selection, and management considerations in urban environments, this study evaluates social and cultural values, including flowering, edibility, and utility.
This approach can serve as a complementary decision-making tool for municipal authorities in managing green spaces and street trees.
The research focuses on street trees in Chiayi City, Taiwan.
Reviewing literature and integrating various evaluation indicators, this study conducted a preliminary assessment using data from the Chiayi City Government’s publicly available landscaping research project.
The results were compared with assessments from other cities to gain insights into the contribution of street trees in Chiayi City to ecosystem services.
Authors
T.I. Lee
Keywords
exotic species, woody ornament, appraisal tool, urban greening, sidewalk trees, inflorescence, edibility
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