International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 11 Issue: 07 | July 2024
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Ecosystem Service Value of Urban Green Spaces in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia aYonas Kebede Beyene , Liu Ying a * aTongji University, UNEP Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development (IESD): College of Environmental
Science and Engineering, Shanghai 200092, P. R. China. --------------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract Ecosystems directly or indirectly provide materials and energies to human, as well as numerous ecosystem services, such as air purification and climate adjustment. Urban development has greatly affected the ecosystem, but green space in urban area still has a certain ecological service function, which plays a role in alleviating urban air pollution, water shortage, urban heat island and other problems. In recent years, in the urbanization of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, more and more attention has been paid to the construction of urban green space, but there are very few reports on the evaluation of ecological service value for urban green space. To this end, this study explores the potential effects of ecosystem services-oriented urban green space planning and design in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and quantifies the economic value of ecosystem services provided by urban green space, in order to provide data and support for the ongoing eco-friendly urbanization in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Through satellite image interpretation, literature analysis and field investigation, Landsat data and measurable indicators were used to classify land cover, analyze land use change in Addis Ababa from 2013 to 2023, and assess landscape dynamics and ecosystem service value within urban green Spaces. Driven by factors such as population growth, infrastructure needs and economic activity, resulting in rapid urban development, a reduction in crop and grassland area, and an increase in built-up and bare land area, the study results show that the green area of Addis Ababa has declined from 44.8 percent in 2013 to 15 percent in 2023. The annual monetary value of ecosystem services has declined significantly, from $146.3 million in 2013 to $97.6 million in 2023, below the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization, with the potential for significant loss of ecosystem service functions in the short term. Air filtering value decreased from 145,685.16 USD in 2013 to 34,446.12 USD in 2023, The microclimate regulation value has declined from $588,051.00 in 2013 to $420,132.00 in 2023. The noise reduction value has declined from $1,460,898.00 in 2013 to $1,043,736.00 in 2023. Rainwater drainage regulating value was 685,882.00 USD in 2013 but decreased to 497,511.00 USD in 2023. The sewage treatment value has declined from $2,267,395.00 in 2013 to $1,277,846.00 in 2023. The recreation and cultural value has also declined from $966,914.00 in 2013 to $565,244.00 in 2023. Due to a decrease in tourism, a loss of cultural heritage, and a decline in the quality of life for residents. It is important to take steps to conserve and restore Addis Ababa's green spaces to protect the city's natural and cultural resources and improve the quality of life for its residents. Therefore, the study emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent further loss of ecosystem services, and calls for concerted efforts by all parties, including government departments, relevant stakeholders and environmental organizations, to conserve biodiversity through landscape restoration and management, improve air and water quality, and promote recreational activities. In addition, city managers should prioritize maintaining adequate green space, balancing regulation and recreatio n services, listening to citizens, improving green space management systems, and using high-resolution data for accurate land cover mapping and ecosystem service valuation. Policymakers should incorporate the value of urban ecosystem services into green space planning and development to maximize the benefits of urban ecosystems and build resilient and ecologically healthy cities. Keywords: Urban Green Spaces, Monetary Value, Landsat data, ecological conservation
1.Introduction Urban green spaces play a crucial role in meeting ecological conservation and environmental protection needs [1]. Green spaces act as the lungs of urban areas, preserving life within the built-up environmen. UGS offers essential ecosystem services such as enhancing air quality, removing pollution and reducing noise, conserving water and soil, regulating microclimates, and mitigating urban heat islands[2]-[3].
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