Abstract

Urban green areas, such as parks, forests, and wetlands, play a crucial dual role in cities by supporting biodiversity and providing spaces for recreation and human well-being. However, as urban areas continue to grow and densify, achieving a balance between conserving nature and ensuring fair access to green spaces becomes increasingly challenging. A recent study by Jalkanen et al. (2025) examined how the Helsinki metropolitan region could address this dilemma by safeguarding both biodiversity and equitable recreational opportunities for its residents.