Analysis of urban green space distribution in Metro Manila, Philippines using remote sensing and geographic information system techniques

Date

2024

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Forestry

Adviser/Committee Chair

Gabriel, Marie Jessica C.

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) have been recognized as critical elements in sustainable and livable cities. However, Metro Manila (MM) has faced a drastic green space decline due to unabated population growth and urban developments in the past decades. These losses have also exacerbated environmental issues such as air and water pollution, flooding, and the Urban Heat Island effect. Local government units were given the responsibility to manage and formulate policies addressing these concerns individually. Hence, this study was conducted to understand the dynamic trends in UGS cover in MM. Particularly, the study analyzed the land cover changes, per capita area, and distribution of UGS for 2000, 2007, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) Algorithm, the classified images generated high overall accuracies - 98%, 96%, 97%, 99%, and 98% for the respective years. These maps were used for change detection analysis, revealing consistent UGS net loss from 2000 to 2015, followed by a notable net gain in 2020. Similarly, the regional green space per capita (GSPC) exhibited a downward trend from 2000 to 2015 and peaked in 2020, although a number. of cities/municipalities steadily scored below the 9 square meters minimum threshold set by the United Nations-World Health Organization. Moreover, spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated the presence of clustering patterns in per capita area and density of green spaces in most years. The findings of this study shed light on the persistence of uneven distribution of UGS in MM, which may denote the existence of inequitable access to UGS benefits. Therefore, this study provides insights on the priorities for improving the distribution and accessibility of UGS in MM. Moreover, the study can inform decision-making processes regarding urban planning, land use zoning and management, and green infrastructure development, all geared towards enhancing the quality of life for MM residents.

Language

English

Location

UPLB College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR)

Notes

Bachelor of Science in Forestry / Environmental Forestry

Awards: Best Thesis (Environmental Forestry)

Document Type

Thesis

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