Attitudes and preferences towards elements of formal and informal public green spaces in two South African towns
- Manyani, Amanda, Shackleton, Charlie M, Cocks, Michelle L
- Authors: Manyani, Amanda , Shackleton, Charlie M , Cocks, Michelle L
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402203 , vital:69830 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104147"
- Description: Different types of public urban green spaces (PUGS) contain various natural (such as trees, pools, flowerbeds) and artificial elements (such as benches, play equipment, fountains) which contribute to the enjoyment and experience of users. However, which elements users most require, appreciate or notice has rarely been examined as the basis of their choice for specific PUGS, especially in poorer neighbourhoods and countries, where formal PUGS may be limited. The study was carried out in two towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, both characterized by high poverty and unemployment levels, low literacy rates and many people living without basic infrastructure and services. To understand the meanings people, have for specific PUGS elements, formal and informal PUGS and peri-urban municipal commonages were assessed with respect to the natural and artificial elements present. A survey of 360 households was conducted across two towns by targeting PUGS users and households within 100 m from the designated PUGS. Approximately 63% of the respondents visited PUGS, with informal PUGS being the most frequented. However, they were strong negative feelings towards some natural elements because of their unkempt nature. Issues of safety, cultural restrictions and lack of recreational facilities were mentioned as some of the specific deterrents against visiting the closest PUGS among different user and age groups. Most respondents emphasized the need for PUGS that are well laid out with maintained lawns, recreational facilities and open vegetation. Thus, the current design and available features within the studied PUGS do not meet local preferences and needs and thus do not contribute to enjoyment as much as they could. Attention needs to be given to understand and incorporate the elements that invoke positive attitudes among urban residents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Manyani, Amanda , Shackleton, Charlie M , Cocks, Michelle L
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/402203 , vital:69830 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104147"
- Description: Different types of public urban green spaces (PUGS) contain various natural (such as trees, pools, flowerbeds) and artificial elements (such as benches, play equipment, fountains) which contribute to the enjoyment and experience of users. However, which elements users most require, appreciate or notice has rarely been examined as the basis of their choice for specific PUGS, especially in poorer neighbourhoods and countries, where formal PUGS may be limited. The study was carried out in two towns in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, both characterized by high poverty and unemployment levels, low literacy rates and many people living without basic infrastructure and services. To understand the meanings people, have for specific PUGS elements, formal and informal PUGS and peri-urban municipal commonages were assessed with respect to the natural and artificial elements present. A survey of 360 households was conducted across two towns by targeting PUGS users and households within 100 m from the designated PUGS. Approximately 63% of the respondents visited PUGS, with informal PUGS being the most frequented. However, they were strong negative feelings towards some natural elements because of their unkempt nature. Issues of safety, cultural restrictions and lack of recreational facilities were mentioned as some of the specific deterrents against visiting the closest PUGS among different user and age groups. Most respondents emphasized the need for PUGS that are well laid out with maintained lawns, recreational facilities and open vegetation. Thus, the current design and available features within the studied PUGS do not meet local preferences and needs and thus do not contribute to enjoyment as much as they could. Attention needs to be given to understand and incorporate the elements that invoke positive attitudes among urban residents.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Electrochemical detection of dopamine using phthalocyanine-nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dot conjugates
- Ndebele Nobuhle, Sen, Pinar, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Ndebele Nobuhle , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185724 , vital:44418 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.115111"
- Description: Two cobalt phthalocyanine molecules were synthesized, a symmetrically substituted CoPc (1) and an unsymmetrically substituted CoPc (2). These CoPcs were π-π stacked onto nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). The CoPcs, NGQDs and their respective conjugates were used as electro-catalytic probes in the electrochemical oxidation of dopamine. The molecules were adsorbed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using the drop dry method, the GCE was used to support those catalysts. The electrooxidation of dopamine was studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. An improvement in the sensitivity and limit of detection was observed upon conjugation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Ndebele Nobuhle , Sen, Pinar , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185724 , vital:44418 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jelechem.2021.115111"
- Description: Two cobalt phthalocyanine molecules were synthesized, a symmetrically substituted CoPc (1) and an unsymmetrically substituted CoPc (2). These CoPcs were π-π stacked onto nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs). The CoPcs, NGQDs and their respective conjugates were used as electro-catalytic probes in the electrochemical oxidation of dopamine. The molecules were adsorbed onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using the drop dry method, the GCE was used to support those catalysts. The electrooxidation of dopamine was studied using cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. An improvement in the sensitivity and limit of detection was observed upon conjugation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Folic acid-modified phthalocyanine-nanozyme loaded liposomes for targeted photodynamic therapy
- Nwahara, Nnamdi, Abrahams, Garth, Prinsloo, Earl, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Abrahams, Garth , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231369 , vital:49881 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102527"
- Description: The hypoxic tumour microenvironment and poor spatiotemporal localization of photosensitizers are two significant obstacles that limit practical applications of photodynamic therapy. In response, a biocompatible, light-activatable liposome integrated with both a zinc phthalocyanine photodynamic component and Pt nanoparticles-decorated with MnO2 catalase-mimicking component are engineered. This multifunctional system was rationally designed using unsaturated phospholipids to achieve on-demand drug release following light irradiation. Specificity was achieved by folic acid functionalization resulting in folate-modified liposomes (FTLiposomes). We demonstrated its specific uptake by fluorescence imaging using folate receptor (FR) overexpressing HeLa and MCF-7 cells as in vitro models. This multifunctional liposome exhibits superior hypoxic anti-tumour effects and holds the potential to reduce side effects associated with untargeted therapy. Fluorescence of the constituent ZnPc and folate-receptor targeting could enable tracking and permit spatiotemporal regulation for improved cancer treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Nwahara, Nnamdi , Abrahams, Garth , Prinsloo, Earl , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231369 , vital:49881 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102527"
- Description: The hypoxic tumour microenvironment and poor spatiotemporal localization of photosensitizers are two significant obstacles that limit practical applications of photodynamic therapy. In response, a biocompatible, light-activatable liposome integrated with both a zinc phthalocyanine photodynamic component and Pt nanoparticles-decorated with MnO2 catalase-mimicking component are engineered. This multifunctional system was rationally designed using unsaturated phospholipids to achieve on-demand drug release following light irradiation. Specificity was achieved by folic acid functionalization resulting in folate-modified liposomes (FTLiposomes). We demonstrated its specific uptake by fluorescence imaging using folate receptor (FR) overexpressing HeLa and MCF-7 cells as in vitro models. This multifunctional liposome exhibits superior hypoxic anti-tumour effects and holds the potential to reduce side effects associated with untargeted therapy. Fluorescence of the constituent ZnPc and folate-receptor targeting could enable tracking and permit spatiotemporal regulation for improved cancer treatment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Monitoring and Management Mechanisms on Stress in HEI in Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Critical Review
- Asoba, Samson Nambei, Patricia, Nteboheng Mefi
- Authors: Asoba, Samson Nambei , Patricia, Nteboheng Mefi
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Teachers--Job stress , Ill-Discipline of Learners , Middle school education -- Parent participation
- Language: English
- Type: text , article , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/8068 , vital:61393 , xlink:href="https://www.abacademies.org/articles/monitoring-and-management-mechanisms-on-stress-in-hei-in-eastern-cape-province-in-south-africa-critical-review-10636.html"
- Description: Stress is a global phenomenon that affects everyone regardless of gender, resources and environment. Although this phenomenon is well researched, teachers’ experiences of stress remains a worrying challenge particularly to schools’ effectiveness. This study sought to establish how monitoring and management mechanism that can assist teachers to cope with stress challenges. These are some of the recommendation: that the school disciplinary committee should be trained in various disciplinary measures that may be implemented in the school to curb learner ill-discipline and lack of commitment, that working relationship should be built between schools and the Department of Basic Education, motivational speakers and educational counsellors should meet with all learners on a regular basis to motivate them to have high desire for and interest in education and to build their self-confidence in the classroom, providing all the schools with healthy environment in classrooms, provision of learning and teaching materials to all schools, schools should set up an effective school-parents partnership in order to promote a safe drug and alcohol free environment, employ enough teachers in all secondary schools and the Department of Basic Education at district level should make room for stress management workshops for teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Asoba, Samson Nambei , Patricia, Nteboheng Mefi
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Teachers--Job stress , Ill-Discipline of Learners , Middle school education -- Parent participation
- Language: English
- Type: text , article , Article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/8068 , vital:61393 , xlink:href="https://www.abacademies.org/articles/monitoring-and-management-mechanisms-on-stress-in-hei-in-eastern-cape-province-in-south-africa-critical-review-10636.html"
- Description: Stress is a global phenomenon that affects everyone regardless of gender, resources and environment. Although this phenomenon is well researched, teachers’ experiences of stress remains a worrying challenge particularly to schools’ effectiveness. This study sought to establish how monitoring and management mechanism that can assist teachers to cope with stress challenges. These are some of the recommendation: that the school disciplinary committee should be trained in various disciplinary measures that may be implemented in the school to curb learner ill-discipline and lack of commitment, that working relationship should be built between schools and the Department of Basic Education, motivational speakers and educational counsellors should meet with all learners on a regular basis to motivate them to have high desire for and interest in education and to build their self-confidence in the classroom, providing all the schools with healthy environment in classrooms, provision of learning and teaching materials to all schools, schools should set up an effective school-parents partnership in order to promote a safe drug and alcohol free environment, employ enough teachers in all secondary schools and the Department of Basic Education at district level should make room for stress management workshops for teachers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Photo-sonodynamic combination activity of cationic morpholino-phthalocyanines conjugated to nitrogen and nitrogen-sulfur doped graphene quantum dots against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line in vitro
- Nene, Lindokhule Cindy, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nene, Lindokhule Cindy , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231334 , vital:49878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102573"
- Description: In this work, we explore the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation abilities of cationic morpholino-substituted-phthalocyanine (Pc) conjugated to nitrogen (NGQDs) and nitrogen-sulfur (NSGQDs) doped-graphene quantum dots upon irradiation with light for photodynamic therapy (PDT), ultrasound for sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and the combination of both in photo-sonodynamic therapy (PSDT). The in vitro cytotoxicity studies were conducted using the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 cells). For PDT treatments, only the 1O2 was detected for all the sensitizers, whereas both the 1O2 and •OH radicals were evident after SDT and PSDT treatments. An increase in the 1O2 generation was observed for the conjugates compared to the GQDs and the Pc alone. However, the •OH radicals were reduced in the conjugates compared to the GQDs and the Pc alone. The NGQDs generally showed better ROS generation efficacy compared to the NSGQDs, alone and in the conjugates. The combination therapy also shows improved efficacy compared to the monotherapies for the Pcs and Pc-GQDs conjugates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Nene, Lindokhule Cindy , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/231334 , vital:49878 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102573"
- Description: In this work, we explore the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation abilities of cationic morpholino-substituted-phthalocyanine (Pc) conjugated to nitrogen (NGQDs) and nitrogen-sulfur (NSGQDs) doped-graphene quantum dots upon irradiation with light for photodynamic therapy (PDT), ultrasound for sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and the combination of both in photo-sonodynamic therapy (PSDT). The in vitro cytotoxicity studies were conducted using the Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 cells). For PDT treatments, only the 1O2 was detected for all the sensitizers, whereas both the 1O2 and •OH radicals were evident after SDT and PSDT treatments. An increase in the 1O2 generation was observed for the conjugates compared to the GQDs and the Pc alone. However, the •OH radicals were reduced in the conjugates compared to the GQDs and the Pc alone. The NGQDs generally showed better ROS generation efficacy compared to the NSGQDs, alone and in the conjugates. The combination therapy also shows improved efficacy compared to the monotherapies for the Pcs and Pc-GQDs conjugates.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of neutral, octacationic and hexadecacationic Zn phthalocyanines when conjugated to silver nanoparticles
- Mapukata, Sibusisiwe, Sen, Pinar, Osifeko, Olawale L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mapukata, Sibusisiwe , Sen, Pinar , Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185667 , vital:44408 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102361"
- Description: The syntheses and characterization of novel octacationic and hexadecacationic Pcs is reported. With the aim of enhancing singlet oxygen generation efficiencies and hence antimicrobial activities, these Pcs (including their neutral counterpart) are conjugated to Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). The obtained results show that the conjugate composed of the neutral Pc has a higher loading of Pcs as well as a greater singlet oxygen quantum yield enhancement (in the presence of AgNPs) in DMSO. The antimicrobial efficiencies of the Pcs and their conjugates were evaluated and compared on S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. The cationic Pcs possess better activity than the neutral Pc against all the microorganisms with the hexadecacationic Pc being the best. This work therefore demonstrates that increase in the number of cationic charges on the reported Pcs results in enhanced antimicrobial activities, which is maintained even when conjugated to Ag nanoparticles. The high activity and lack of selectivity of the cationic Pcs when conjugated to Ag NPs against different microorganisms make them good candidates for real life antimicrobial treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Mapukata, Sibusisiwe , Sen, Pinar , Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185667 , vital:44408 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102361"
- Description: The syntheses and characterization of novel octacationic and hexadecacationic Pcs is reported. With the aim of enhancing singlet oxygen generation efficiencies and hence antimicrobial activities, these Pcs (including their neutral counterpart) are conjugated to Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). The obtained results show that the conjugate composed of the neutral Pc has a higher loading of Pcs as well as a greater singlet oxygen quantum yield enhancement (in the presence of AgNPs) in DMSO. The antimicrobial efficiencies of the Pcs and their conjugates were evaluated and compared on S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. The cationic Pcs possess better activity than the neutral Pc against all the microorganisms with the hexadecacationic Pc being the best. This work therefore demonstrates that increase in the number of cationic charges on the reported Pcs results in enhanced antimicrobial activities, which is maintained even when conjugated to Ag nanoparticles. The high activity and lack of selectivity of the cationic Pcs when conjugated to Ag NPs against different microorganisms make them good candidates for real life antimicrobial treatments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The electrochemical detection of prostate specific antigen on glassy carbon electrode modified with combinations of graphene quantum dots, cobalt phthalocyanine and an aptamer
- Nxele, Siphesihle R, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Nxele, Siphesihle R , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185013 , vital:44316 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111462"
- Description: Herein, a novel aptasensor is developed for the electrochemical detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) on electrode surfaces modified using various combinations of a Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), an aptamer and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as well as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) are employed for the detection of PSA. In both analytical techniques, linear calibration curves were observed at a concentration range of 1.2–2.0 pM. The glassy carbon electrode where CoPc and GQDs are placed on the electrode when non-covalently linked followed by addition of the aptamer (GQDs-CoPc(ππ)-aptamer (sequential)) showed the best performance with a limit of detection (LoD) as low as 0.66 pM when using DPV. The detection limits were much lower than the dangerous levels reported for PSA in males tested for prostate cancer. This electrode showed selectivity for PSA in the presence of bovine serum albumin, glucose and L-cysteine. The aptasensor showed good stability, reproducibility and repeatability, deeming it a promising early detection device for prostate cancer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Nxele, Siphesihle R , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185013 , vital:44316 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinorgbio.2021.111462"
- Description: Herein, a novel aptasensor is developed for the electrochemical detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA) on electrode surfaces modified using various combinations of a Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc), an aptamer and graphene quantum dots (GQDs). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as well as differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) are employed for the detection of PSA. In both analytical techniques, linear calibration curves were observed at a concentration range of 1.2–2.0 pM. The glassy carbon electrode where CoPc and GQDs are placed on the electrode when non-covalently linked followed by addition of the aptamer (GQDs-CoPc(ππ)-aptamer (sequential)) showed the best performance with a limit of detection (LoD) as low as 0.66 pM when using DPV. The detection limits were much lower than the dangerous levels reported for PSA in males tested for prostate cancer. This electrode showed selectivity for PSA in the presence of bovine serum albumin, glucose and L-cysteine. The aptasensor showed good stability, reproducibility and repeatability, deeming it a promising early detection device for prostate cancer.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The improved antibacterial efficiency of a zinc phthalocyanine when embedded on silver nanoparticle modified silica nanofibers
- Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe, Britton, Jonathan, Osifeko, Olawale L, Nyokong, Tebello
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Britton, Jonathan , Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185784 , vital:44423 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102100"
- Description: This work reports on the fabrication and modification of electrospun polymer free silica nanofibers (SiO2 NFs) with the aim of creating heterogeneous antibacterial catalysts. The optical and photophysical properties of the obtained NFs i.e. bare SiO2, Ag-SiO2, Pc-SiO2 and Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs (Pc = phthalocyanine) were compared and reported. The singlet oxygen quantum yields of the Pc-SiO2 and Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs were also quantified and found to be 0.08 and 0.12, respectively, in water. All the modified SiO2 NFs were found to possess photoactivity against S. aureus with the most effective being the Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs due to the synergy between the Pc and Ag nanoparticles. The bare SiO2 NFs do not exhibit any antibacterial activity while the Ag-SiO2 and Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs were found to also exhibit dark toxicity. The generated photocatalysts are attractive because they are active against bacteria and they are easily retrievable post-application. The nanocatalysts reported herein are therefore feasible candidates for real-life antibacterial applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Mapukata, Sivuyisiwe , Britton, Jonathan , Osifeko, Olawale L , Nyokong, Tebello
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/185784 , vital:44423 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.102100"
- Description: This work reports on the fabrication and modification of electrospun polymer free silica nanofibers (SiO2 NFs) with the aim of creating heterogeneous antibacterial catalysts. The optical and photophysical properties of the obtained NFs i.e. bare SiO2, Ag-SiO2, Pc-SiO2 and Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs (Pc = phthalocyanine) were compared and reported. The singlet oxygen quantum yields of the Pc-SiO2 and Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs were also quantified and found to be 0.08 and 0.12, respectively, in water. All the modified SiO2 NFs were found to possess photoactivity against S. aureus with the most effective being the Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs due to the synergy between the Pc and Ag nanoparticles. The bare SiO2 NFs do not exhibit any antibacterial activity while the Ag-SiO2 and Pc@Ag-SiO2 NFs were found to also exhibit dark toxicity. The generated photocatalysts are attractive because they are active against bacteria and they are easily retrievable post-application. The nanocatalysts reported herein are therefore feasible candidates for real-life antibacterial applications.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Urban green infrastructure for poverty alleviation: evidence synthesis and conceptual considerations
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401383 , vital:69730 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2021.710549"
- Description: The multiple benefits of urban green infrastructure (UGI) that support sustainable cities are increasingly acknowledged, and yet the bulk of research over the past decade or so has focused on only a small subset of the numerous benefits, notably recreation, physical and mental health, and regulating services. In contrast, there is very little information on the contribution of UGI to several of the other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular SDG 1 of reducing poverty, despite the pervasiveness of poverty globally. This paper considers the diverse direct and indirect ways in which UGI can contribute to poverty alleviation, drawing on the limited evidence from various regions of the world. The direct links between UGI and poverty alleviation is via three means, namely provision of (1) consumptive or provisioning goods such as wild foods and firewood, (2) employment in UGI development, maintenance, and restoration, and (3) land for urban agriculture, income generation and dwelling. There are also a number of indirect links such as cash savings, improved physical and mental health, improved social networks, improved educational outcomes, and regulation of potential natural disasters. However, the commonly unequal distribution of UGI within and between cities means that the poverty alleviation potential and benefits are inequitably distributed, often against those who are most in need of them, i.e., the urban poor. This demands greater attention to promoting the equitable distribution and quality of UGI and mainstreaming of UGI into poverty reduction strategies and programmes and vice versa, as well as greater examination of the links between UGI and poverty alleviation in a greater range of contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Urban green infrastructure for poverty alleviation: evidence synthesis and conceptual considerations
- Authors: Shackleton, Charlie M
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/401383 , vital:69730 , xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.3389/frsc.2021.710549"
- Description: The multiple benefits of urban green infrastructure (UGI) that support sustainable cities are increasingly acknowledged, and yet the bulk of research over the past decade or so has focused on only a small subset of the numerous benefits, notably recreation, physical and mental health, and regulating services. In contrast, there is very little information on the contribution of UGI to several of the other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and in particular SDG 1 of reducing poverty, despite the pervasiveness of poverty globally. This paper considers the diverse direct and indirect ways in which UGI can contribute to poverty alleviation, drawing on the limited evidence from various regions of the world. The direct links between UGI and poverty alleviation is via three means, namely provision of (1) consumptive or provisioning goods such as wild foods and firewood, (2) employment in UGI development, maintenance, and restoration, and (3) land for urban agriculture, income generation and dwelling. There are also a number of indirect links such as cash savings, improved physical and mental health, improved social networks, improved educational outcomes, and regulation of potential natural disasters. However, the commonly unequal distribution of UGI within and between cities means that the poverty alleviation potential and benefits are inequitably distributed, often against those who are most in need of them, i.e., the urban poor. This demands greater attention to promoting the equitable distribution and quality of UGI and mainstreaming of UGI into poverty reduction strategies and programmes and vice versa, as well as greater examination of the links between UGI and poverty alleviation in a greater range of contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
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