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Healthier Cities and Communities Through Public Spaces: A Guidance Paper

Excerpt:  “Green and open public spaces are crucial in enhancing urban areas’ and communities’ health and well-being. Public spaces can catalyse physical activity, mental wellness, social interactions, and community engagement when well-planned and maintained. Additionally, they contribute to reducing air pollution and overall improvement in urban quality of life, yielding economic advantages and promoting ecological sustainability. … This paper explores the intricate nexus through which public spaces can be harnessed to create healthier cities and communities. It targets urban planners and local and municipal governments, beginning with a brief introduction to the topic. The paper then outlines how different global agendas address public space and health, emphasising the synergistic relationship between these domains. It presents seven strategic approaches UN-Habitat has been adopting that positively affect health outcomes through public space interventions. Finally, the paper provides five key recommendations for implementing these strategies.”

Guidance (21 pages)