Page - 436 - in Biodiversity and Health in the Face of Climate Change

436 Table 19.1 Examples of possible health-related effects of landscape planning objectives Objectives of landscape planning Health-related effects Biological diversity Conservation of biological diversity Species diversity (if not regarded as ‘wild’ or ‘unmanaged’) is often considered beautiful and can thereby contribute to relaxation and stress reduction, consequently enhancing well-being (e.g. via such mechanism as soft fascination, attention restoration, connecting self with nature, place identity) Depending on the type of urban green and its management, species diversity can reduce or increase vector-borne diseases (e.g. lyme disease) Water Protection of groundwater and surface waters from pollutants Health protection by preventing the contamination of drinking water or natural bathing/swimming areas Protection and development of water areas Health protection and promotion by positive bioclimatic effects during the day (cooling) Health promotion and enhancement of well-being due to the attractiveness of water bodies and their suitability for recreational uses Promotion of mental well-being by positive effects on mental relaxation and stress reduction Protection of groundwater resources Health protection by ensuring an adequate drinking water supply Climate/Air Protection of functions of green spaces regarding bioclimatic conditions and air quality Health protection by the preservation and development of bioclimatic comfort islands and areas for production and transport of cool and fresh (cleaned) air Filtration of air-borne pollutants Health protection by implementing appropriate measures to reduce bioclimatic stress due to climate change Soil Protection of the retention and water storing function of soils Health protection by storing and evaporation of precipitation and flood water, reducing flood damage to homes and livelihoods Protection of the filtering and buffering functions of soils Health protection by avoiding contamination of soil and groundwater Health protection by remediation of contaminated sites and improved groundwater protection Protection of the natural yield function Health protection by ensuring the natural preconditions for food production Protection of the archive function of geotopes Health promotion by securing historically important geotopes which could contribute to recreation, a sense of place and regional identity (continued) S. Heiland et al.