Towards attaining green sustainability goals of cities through social transitions: Comparing stakeholders' knowledge and perceptions between two Chesapeake Bay watersheds, USA. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patra, Debasmita; Chanse, Victoria; Rockler, Amanda; Wilson, Sacoby; Montas, Hubert; Shirmohammadi, Adel; Leisnham, Paul T.
• Is Part Of: Sustainable cities and society. Volume 75(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Barriers to adoptions -- Best management practices (BMPs) -- Chesapeake bay watersheds USA -- Community-based participatory research (CBPR) -- In-depth interviews -- Green infrastructure (GI) -- Social transition management -- Stakeholders' responsibilities; Sustainable urban development -- Periodicals; Sustainable buildings -- Periodicals; Urban ecology (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 307.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scs.2021.103318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-6707

Abstract

Highlights: Transitional management governance is needed for better adoption of GI BMPs. CBPR approach using in-depth interviews were conducted to understand the barriers. Government and resident share the responsibilities to attain sustainability goals. Cities need to incorporate socio-cultural factors into the planning process. Outreach activities using technology such as apps and social media are needed. Abstract: Clean water is a significant challenge for the sustainability of expanding cities worldwide. The United Nations recognizes the importance of urban green space to improve sustainability and has proposed Sustainable Development Goals to be achieved by 2030. Political jurisdictions have their own sustainability goals and are instituting various policies to achieve them, but struggle to do so due to underlying socio-cultural, environmental, economic/financial, and other challenges. Utilizing a Community Based Participatory Research approach involving multi-stakeholders and transition management theory to frame different spheres of governance, this multi-disciplinary study aims to understand best management practices, sense of perceived responsibility, barriers, and future of Green Infrastructure (GI) in two Chesapeake Bay watersheds. We analyzed data from 42 in-depth interviews as well as GI policies. We identified five categories of perceived barriers, socio-cultural being the dominant category. More meaningful outreach activities are needed to build trust with residents, which can be achieved through modern channels of communications including smartphone applications and social media. This trust will increase the GI adoption rates and improve water quality in the USA and elsewhere. This can be achieved through an integrated governance approach.