| Summary: | In South Africa, urbanized environments are often studied individually, not taking the
surrounding natural environment into account (McConnachie and Shackleton, 2012: 2). Current
approaches focussing on the integration of Urban Planning and Urban Ecology seek to address
these issues of integrated planning. Urban Ecology practice aims to describe the study of (1)
humans in human settlements, of (2) nature in human settlements, and of (3) the joined
relationships between humans and nature. Urban Ecology thus forms a major part of Urban and
Spatial Planning, with regard to the objectives of sustainable planning and development, green
infrastructure planning, and resilience.
The role and impact of green spaces to support sustainable human settlements are no new
phenomenon (Byrne & Sipe, 2010: 7). This is related to the different benefits which nature
provides, referred to in this research as ecosystem services (or environmental benefits) of green
spaces. Green spaces, in this sense, are fundamental areas in human settlements, in need of
intentional and structured planning approaches to enhance sustainability and said
environmental benefits. It is important to realise that the environment in urbanized areas is
dependent on the local communities (in terms of conservation and appropriate planning
approaches), but that local communities (society) are also dependent on the environment (in
terms of certain benefits which are provided by the said green spaces and environment).
Rural settlements in South Africa experience various problems and challenges in terms of
planning for the environment through green spaces (as well as sustainability), mainly as a result
of the fragmentation of these rural areas, the existence of lost spaces, urbanisation, urban
sprawl and poverty (Trancik, 1986; Barnett, 1995; IIED, 2000; DEAT, 2006; McMahan et al,
2002). This research attempted to address the challenges of integrated planning and green
space provision in a local rural context, by means of: (1) A literature study encompassing
research on Urban Ecology; Urban Planning; environmental dimension of planning; provision of
ecosystem services; green infrastructure planning; resilience, and relevant policies and
legislation; (2) An empirical investigation and comparative evaluation of international case
studies, along with a local case study; and (3) drawing conclusions and recommendations for
the local case study, based on the international approaches and identified best-practices.
This research evaluated the spatial and environmental benefits of green space and enhanced
the importance of planning for such benefits in rural South African areas. === MArt et Scien (Urban and Regional Planning), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015
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