Have you seen the green? Enhancing Health and Well-being through Accessible Green Spaces in Jakobsberg.
By: Joel Flakberg, Julia Engel, Lanka Gunathilaka, Melina Gustafson and Tracy Ogutu
Achieving universal access to green spaces is highlighted as a major sustainability challenge by the Sustainable Development Goals formulated by the United Nations (UN). Urbanization is taking place at a rapid pace, often at the expense of green spaces. As green spaces provide ecosystem services that are important for human health and well-being, poor accessibility to green spaces is critical for urban public health. This study aims to examine how accessibility to green spaces in Jakobsberg can be improved to benefit the population of Jakobsberg. Jakobsberg is an urban area in Järfälla municipality that faces challenges of poor accessibility to green space, limited green space per person, low biodiversity, high levels of noise pollution and overcrowded multi-family housing. These are issues that hinder public health, inclusivity and sustainable urban development. This research employs a mixed-methods approach, including literature and policy document reviews, site visits and a survey to assess green space accessibility in Jakobsberg. The findings highlight significant challenges such as insufficient green space per person, physical barriers and excessive noise pollution, which negatively affect well-being and inclusivity. The study identifies key interventions, including improving lightning, creating accessible pathways and implementing nature-based solutions alongside policy measures like reducing speed limits to lower noise pollution. The recommendations emphasize short-term strategies to enhance green space usage and accessibility. By integrating these strategies with existing municipal plans, Jakobsberg can address urban densification challenges while promoting health, well-being and social equity. This study underscores the crucial role of accessible green spaces in fostering sustainable urban environments that align with Sustainable Development Goals.
