The Botanical Gardens
In the photo, a group of women are seen strolling in the
botanical gardens enjoying the serenity of the environment in this urban area
of Port of Spain. In this case, urbanization did not only result in the
construction and expansion of businesses and workplaces but the creation of
green spaces within the city. Bordering the Queen’s Park Savannah, lies the
Emperor Valley Zoo and the Botanical Gardens where many go to have leisure in
the city.
In the photo, the lush vegetation and trees does indeed give
the idea of a ‘green space’ and the concept of ‘greening the city’. The trees
and plants grown here play an important role in “moderating the impacts of
human activities” (Haughton and Hunter 1994, 118). The Botanical gardens
represent a planned type of green space as this was part of the city plan and
did not happen naturally as many of the greenery were put there. However, these
planned spaces can be condemned as some theorists see this as a way of
suppressing plant diversity and not letting nature happens on its own (Hough
1995). Nevertheless, I see the botanical gardens as a valued green space in the
city that should remain as it is as still provides a green, peaceful atmosphere
in which one can go and enjoy the hassle free environment. This has contributed
to Urban Tourism positively as many tourists both local and foreign can visit
and see a diverse amount of tree species that gives aesthetic value to the
city. This is indeed an asset to city planning as it provides hassle free zone
in the urban area where the trees can provide a peaceful environment and also
take away from the negative impacts of urbanization as the trees provide
ecosystem services for the city.
For more information on green spaces you can visit: http://youtu.be/Y332SeVd-F0
For more information on green spaces you can visit: http://youtu.be/Y332SeVd-F0
References
Hall,T. 2012. Urban Geography 4th Edition. New York:
Routledge.
Haughton, G and Hunter, C. 1994. Sustainable Cities. London: Regional Studies Association.
Hough, M. 1995. Cities and Natural processes. London: Routledge.
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