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The role of stream ecosystems in urban planning: A case study from the stream Rekolanoja in Finland

Vesa Yli‐Pelkonen (Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland)
Karoliina Pispa (Department of Geography, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland)
Inari Helle (Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland)

Management of Environmental Quality

ISSN: 1477-7835

Article publication date: 1 November 2006

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Abstract

Purpose

Urban stream ecosystems have often been seen as channels of water flow rather than as the valuable parts of an urban green space system providing ecosystem services. The study seeks to address the importance of urban stream ecosystems from the perspective of urban ecology, human health and social well‐being in the context of urban planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study area is the Rekolanoja stream ecosystem in the City of Vantaa, southern Finland. The data from the case study area were gathered from existing ecological studies and by conducting semi‐structured interviews, a resident inquiry and a writing contest.

Findings

The results from the Rekolanoja case show that intense management of the streamside vegetation and treatment of the stream channel in construction projects have decreased species richness and diminished valuable streamside biotopes. However, the stream corridor can function as an important recreational and educational element within the local green space network and thereby become a symbol of local identity.

Practical implications

Planners, decision‐makers and other interest groups can use the findings from this study in determining the values of small urban stream ecosystems in urban development.

Originality/value

The Rekolanoja case indicates that planners and residents see the value of such an aquatic element as increasingly important for urban biodiversity and ecological corridor functions, as well as for local human health and social well‐being, e.g. recreation and stress relief. Future land‐use decisions will show whether a genuine change in the values and thinking of planners and decision‐makers is taking place.

Keywords

Citation

Yli‐Pelkonen, V., Pispa, K. and Helle, I. (2006), "The role of stream ecosystems in urban planning: A case study from the stream Rekolanoja in Finland", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 17 No. 6, pp. 673-688. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830610702511

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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