A Spatial and Metric Analysis of Urban Green Spaces of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Philippines

Abstract

Rapid urbanization affects both ecological sustainability and urban livability, if managed unwisely as exemplified by a number of urban open green spaces within Metro Manila. This poses various concerns in physical and emotional health, community wellness, as well as the overall quality of life. This study focused on the urban metrics of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig, to investigate the tree canopy cover, urban open green spaces, heat effects, impervious spaces, and accessibility to urban green spaces. It addresses the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal Number 11 on inclusive, safe and sustainable cities using spatial analysis. The research measured the distribution of land cover and assessed the city's performance in relation to global urban sustainability recommendations from United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), United Nations-Habitat (UN-Habitat), and World Health Organization (WHO). The results showed that the tree canopy was lower at BGC by 16.22% compared with the recommended values of 30% based on UNECE. On the other hand, 6.55% of the total area are urban open green spaces, while the remaining 93.45% are impervious surfaces which are below international recommendation of UN-Habitat. The study showed a ratio of for every 1 sqm of tree canopy, there is approximately 5.76 sqm of impervious space, which suggests little or natural shade that results in little natural cooling or shade, that contributes to increase in local temperatures. To improve environmental resilience, walkability, and fair access to green spaces in the urban center at BGC, the study recommends integrated green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and inclusive landscape planning.