Exploring the relationship between urban green infrastructure connectivity, size and multifunctionality: a systematic...

Area of Science:

• Urban Ecology
• Environmental Planning
• Ecosystem Services

Background:

• Urban green infrastructure (GI) is recognized for its multifunctionality, supporting ecosystem services and policy initiatives.
• A knowledge gap exists regarding the influence of GI connectivity and size on its multifunctional outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on urban GI multifunctionality, including ecosystem services and disservices.
• To identify relationships between GI traits (connectivity, size) and multifunctionality.
• To provide actionable recommendations for GI planning based on research findings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of 139 academic sources published between 2010 and 2023.
• Adherence to PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews.

Main Results:

• Multifunctionality is more frequently studied in relation to GI connectivity across urban areas than within them.
• Research predominantly focuses on large GI sites, with limited attention to smaller, common urban sites.
• Wider flows of ecosystem functions, services, and disservices are enabled by inter-urban GI connectivity.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed on how manipulating GI size and connectivity affects multifunctionality.
• The potential for ecosystem disservices must be acknowledged and managed alongside GI enhancements.
• Findings support evidence-based GI policy and practice for optimizing urban multifunctionality while minimizing disservices.