Journal of Environmental Protection, 2011, 2, 601-608 doi:10.4236/jep.2011.25069 Published Online July 2011 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/jep) Copyright © 2011 SciRes. JEP Urban Green Spaces and an Integrative Approach to Sustainable Environment Shah Md. Atiqul Haq Department of Asian and International Studies, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China Email: shahatiq1@yahoo.com Received January 5 th , 2011; revised March 26 th , 2011; accepted May 3 rd , 2011. ABSTRACT This paper explains the benefits and challenges of urban green spaces based on the critical discussion of study results from different studies in different cities. The important roles played by green spaces are social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of sustainable development. Urban green spaces can be a comprehensive tool for long term pro- tection of environmental sustainability through improving the quality of life and air quality, increasing property value due to their amenity and aesthetic characteristics, and reducing the energy costs of cooling buildings. Urban green spaces also can provide ecosystem services in which the recreation and relaxation facilities are especially available to urban dwellers and tourists too. To confirm the multiple roles played by green spaces, certain level of qualitative im- provements and distribution of green spaces within the urban area should be considered and incorporated effectively into the environmental sustainability agenda. To do this, an integrated approach regarding the planning, monitoring, designing and maintaining of urban green spaces is required for improving the environmental sustainability in cities in different countries. Keywords: Integrative Approach, Socio-Economic Value, Sustainable Environment, Urban Green Spaces 1. Introduction Urban green spaces as an important contributor can be a significant part of sustainable development. Develop- ments of urban green spaces need to consider interdisci- plinary and integrative approaches such as economic, political, social, cultural, management and planning as- pects to improve existing urban green spaces’ facilities and services, and to optimize urban green space policies [1]. The definition of urban green spaces which is agreed on by ecologists, economists, social scientists and plan- ners is public and private open spaces in urban areas, primarily covered by vegetation, which are directly (e.g. active or passive recreation) or indirectly (e.g. positive influence on the urban environment) available for the users [2]. Based on the studies of different cities, differ- ent researchers provide some guidelines to evaluate the nature of green spaces. Firstly, one of the main factors in determining the nature of green spaces is their quantity in the city [3]. Secondly, existing qualities like activities and experiences, and perceived benefits to the users de- termine the utilization of green spaces [4]. Thirdly, the functionality of those green spaces is equally influenced by the location and distribution (accessibility) in the whole city [4-6]. Irrespective of level of development of any country, many countries are facing one of the most important challenges: the adequate development of sustainable cit- ies. In this regard, urban green spaces can provide social, economic, cultural and psychological services especially for the wellbeing of the urban dwellers and for tourists as well. Sustainable development of cities and development of urban green spaces are very important, since almost half of the world population now live in urban area where the pace for rural-urban migration and pressure from international migration in developed countries is still high, as most of the immigrants in developed coun- tries live in central or big cities of the country. Moreover, it is an urgent need to improve the lifestyles of urban people and there should be a special focus on the consid- eration of environmental impact of human activities by raising awareness to the rational use of energy, water and food consumption and natural resources for environ- mental sustainability. Finally, the role played by green spaces in our urban environments can no longer be ig- nored by today’s policy makers. Since many studies conducted in cities in Europe, Asia and USA show the enormous challenges in providing