Not every park is the same. Researchers are increasingly asking not only how much greenery we see, but how biologically rich the places we spend time in are.
Not every park is the same. Researchers are increasingly asking not only how much greenery we see, but how biologically rich the places we spend time in are.
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Green space is not just about the percentage of trees
Two places can have a similar amount of vegetation, yet differ in the number of species.
What we know today
Systematic reviews point to links between green spaces and health and well-being. More recent studies are trying to isolate the role of biodiversity.
A possible mechanism: curiosity and “soft fascination”
A more diverse environment offers more gentle stimuli: bird movement, different textures, scents, and changing light.
What you can do in the city
Choose routes through larger parks, botanical gardens, riverbanks, and areas with diverse vegetation.
Ecology and health are not the same thing
Even if the impact of biodiversity on well-being turns out to be smaller, protecting biological diversity remains ecologically important.
What science says
Reviews from 2026 show a growing body of research, but major methodological differences limit how certain the conclusions can be.
Book to explore further: E.O. Wilson, “Biophilia"
Sources
- Pelizzari N. et al. Does the biodiversity of urban green spaces impact on human health? BMC Public Health, 2026. PubMed PMID: 42251307.
- Linking public urban green spaces and human well-being. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2021. DOI: 10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127105.
Educational material. It does not replace an individual diagnosis, psychotherapy, or medical advice.