WHO/Europe report on valuing urban green and blue spaces for health and well-being

Green and blue spaces, such as parks, gardens, green walls, street trees and water bodies, function among others as nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation through, for example, providing urban cooling and reducing flood risks. The spaces are also locations that enable physical activity, mental well-being and social interactions. A growing body of evidence demonstrates the multifaceted potential of urban green and blue spaces to generate better health and well-being.

This report by the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe) outlines the health and well-being impacts (both positive and negative, and not equitably distributed) of urban green and blue spaces that can contribute to assessments of their value. It presents (quantitative and qualitative) methodologies that policymakers and practitioners can use to value these impacts, to design blue and green spaces, and to support their decision-making about allocating resources to protect or enhance urban green and blue spaces.