Distribution and structure of urban green spaces in Metro Manila

Abstract

We studied the distribution and structure of urban green spaces in Metro Manila, the Philippines, one of the most rapidly growing prime cities in Southeast Asia. Our field vegetation survey focused on the vertical structure and composition of species in urban green spaces. We selected 35 sample sites from 6 diferent land use types: high-density residential, low-density residential, business and commercial, industrial, park and urban-rurral mixture areas. We identified plant species and their heights at each sample site. In addition, we calculated the green cover ratio at each sample site from aerial photographs. The results showed that the green cover ratios were high in low-density residential areas and parks, but low in high-density residential, business and commercial, industrial and urban-rural mixture areas. Species richness was marked in low-density residential areas, but poor in business and commercial and industrial areas. While, on average, trees were relatively tall in low-density residential areas, business and commercial areas and parks, the trees in high-density residential areas and urban-rural mixture areas were relatively short. We observed distinct differences in species composition, depend ing on the major use of the trees: fruit and ornamental species predominated in both types of residential areas: shade and ornamental species predominated in business and commercial areas and parks: and fruit species predominated in urban-rural mixture areas. We consider that our results will be useful in future green space planning to improve the urban environment of Metro Manila.Part of "Proceedings of International Symposium on City Planning 2000, July 17-18, 2000, International Conference Center Kobe, Japan