Drivers of nature engagement in urban green spaces: Prospects for healthier cities

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) are essential for enhancing urban livability by promoting both physical and mental wellbeing, yet the determinants of nature engagement in UGS remain poorly characterized, particularly in emerging economies where distinct socioeconomic dynamics pose unique challenges. This study examines the primary drivers of nature engagement in UGS within the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo (MRSP), Brazil, through an online survey administered to 2136 residents, capturing data on the frequency and duration of visits. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) was employed to explore relationships between nature engagement and variables including UGS amount and quality, individual demographic characteristics, and municipal-level socioeconomic indicators. The results reveal that UGS amount and quality exhibit the strongest linkage to nature engagement, followed by participant profiles and demographic variables, while socioeconomic factors, although comparatively weaker, still contribute meaningfully to understanding engagement patterns. These findings emphasize the importance of strengthening UGS amount and quality to enhance public interaction with nature in urban settings. Urban planners are encouraged to prioritize the equitable expansion and improvement of UGS, particularly in historically underserved areas, to foster inclusive engagement. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs and objective engagement metrics to enable more robust assessments of UGS improvements across varied urban contexts.