Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094

March 2013 Vol. 2(3): pp. 074-079

Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals

Review

Sustainable Environmental Management Through Urban Public Park in South-western Nigeria.

Okunlola, A. Ibironke.

Department of Crop, Soil and Pest Management The Federal University of Technology P.M.B. 704 Akure Ondo State, Nigeria.

E-Mail: aiokunlola@yahoo.co.uk

Accepted 11 February, 2013

Abstract

Parks development in urban areas can be an effective planning strategy to enhance environmental management, improvement, conservation and aesthetic maintenance due to its roles in upgrading quality of life, economic well being and fulfilling the social needs of urban-dwelling individuals. It provides a healthy environment by reducing air pollution, urban heats, noise and green space loss. Parks in urban areas enhance city aesthetics, acts as green lungs of the city, refresh the air and provide beneficial contact with nature as an upstream health promotion intervention for the population. Parks also create natural surroundings of urban area for leisure, relaxation, recreation, psychological and physical comfort of the people. In Nigeria, the realization of the important role of public parks, natural open spaces and well designed green spaces has resulted in the launch of the “City Beautification Concept” of most capital cities to provide an environment conducive for quality urban living, recreation, social interaction and community action for the pursuit of legitimate pleasures and economic activities. This paper examines the effectiveness of public parks development in urban areas as a strategy for environmental improvement, conservation, and its potential in sustaining a pleasant, exciting, invigorating and comprehensive urban environment in the capital cities of South-western Nigeria.

Keywords: Environmental management, conservation, Public parks, urban area and open spaces.