Final answer:
Greenbelts and greenways provide environmental benefits including maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as social and health advantages such as community engagement and psychological well-being. They are an essential component of urban planning that promotes the quality of life in densely populated areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Greenbelts and greenways provide multiple benefits to communities. These encompass environmental, health, recreational, and social advantages. Greenbelts are strips of undeveloped land preserved around urban areas, while greenways are linear parks or natural areas reserved for recreational use or environmental preservation. These spaces are crucial for maintaining biodiversity by providing habitats for various species and offering ecosystem services like water filtration, flood prevention, and erosion control.
Community engagement is another significant benefit, as greenbelts and greenways serve as places where people can come together, promoting social cohesion and capital. Participation in green spaces and community gardens is particularly perceived as desirable as they contribute to psychological well-being and quality of life, especially among younger populations. Moreover, these green spaces are associated with reduced obesity rates and improved ecological resilience in indigenous and immigrant communities.