Scholarlink

<p>Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) integrate natural elements into urban environments to address ecological and social challenges. In dense cities with limited green space, balcony gardens offer a feasible, resident-led form of vertical greening. This study examines balcony gardens in Beirut, Lebanon, through the NBS lenses of social wellbeing, biodiversity, and environmental benefits, using mixed methods including interviews, plant composition assessments, and canopy volume estimation. Findings show residents value balcony gardens for aesthetics, relaxation, and connection to nature, rooted in childhood experiences and affinity to plants. Barriers include time constraints, urban context (noise / pollution), and limited gardening experience. The 81 plant species recorded from 150 balcony gardens included only three native species. While the vast majority are non-native 63% reportedly attract birds and 55% attract bees. Canopy volume measurements, expressed as Small Urban Tree Equivalent (SUTE), showed that only 6% of case study balcony gardens, primarily those densely planted with woody species, could contribute 3 to 8.8 SUTE per building, assuming full participation of residents in a 10-floor building. The study calls for simple tools to measure balcony canopy volume and for scaling up resident-led gardening through smart species choices, active engagement, and a virtual network linking residents with plant nurseries.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Urban balcony gardens: exploring a resident-led nature-based solution

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年12月18日

查看全文
  • Salma N. Talhouk,
  • Carine Ghassibe,
  • Samar Morkos,
  • Dany Abou Jaoude,
  • Ibrahim Issa

摘要

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) integrate natural elements into urban environments to address ecological and social challenges. In dense cities with limited green space, balcony gardens offer a feasible, resident-led form of vertical greening. This study examines balcony gardens in Beirut, Lebanon, through the NBS lenses of social wellbeing, biodiversity, and environmental benefits, using mixed methods including interviews, plant composition assessments, and canopy volume estimation. Findings show residents value balcony gardens for aesthetics, relaxation, and connection to nature, rooted in childhood experiences and affinity to plants. Barriers include time constraints, urban context (noise / pollution), and limited gardening experience. The 81 plant species recorded from 150 balcony gardens included only three native species. While the vast majority are non-native 63% reportedly attract birds and 55% attract bees. Canopy volume measurements, expressed as Small Urban Tree Equivalent (SUTE), showed that only 6% of case study balcony gardens, primarily those densely planted with woody species, could contribute 3 to 8.8 SUTE per building, assuming full participation of residents in a 10-floor building. The study calls for simple tools to measure balcony canopy volume and for scaling up resident-led gardening through smart species choices, active engagement, and a virtual network linking residents with plant nurseries.