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The Conversation
The Conversation
Environment
Susanne Vetter, Associate Professor, Department of Botany, Rhodes University

Green spaces are good for people – but in South Africa many cannot access them

Fetching water is a chore, but some women also said it was a welcome opportunity to be in nature. Tony Dold

The benefits of experiencing nature for physical, psychological and spiritual well-being are widely documented. But much of the research on these benefits has been done in relatively affluent countries in the global North. There’s little research that has been done in developing countries on the benefits of being in nature.

Development and urban planning approaches in developing countries reflect this. While they rightfully emphasise economic development, housing and sanitation, they commonly treat access to green space as a luxury to enjoy once basic needs are met.

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