What the study found
The study found that nature-inclusive urban development (urban development designed to include ecological features) had mixed social effects in Qunli New Town, Harbin. Original residents’ well-being changes were tied to how they adapted to the new setting, and fairness perceptions differed sharply between original residents and newcomers.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that social impact assessments should explicitly manage the trade-off between new green infrastructure and the loss of cultural landscapes. They suggest this is needed to promote justice for different waves of settlement.
What the researchers tested
The researchers used a sequential mixed-methods design, combining semi-structured interviews with a representative survey. They examined social impacts of nature-inclusive urban development in Qunli New Town, Harbin, China, a case involving landscape-level ecological mitigation and compensation.
What worked and what didn't
Among original residents, former agriculturalists reported a sharper happiness decline than non-agriculturalists, relative to the pre-urbanization era. Original residents who perceived increases in social and esthetic values of green spaces reported happiness gains. Original residents perceived ecological fairness as lower than newcomers did, but economic fairness as higher.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not provide detailed limitations beyond the specific case studied in Qunli New Town. The findings are based on one urban development context and may not describe other settings.
Key points
- The study examined social impacts of nature-inclusive urban development in Qunli New Town, Harbin, China.
- Original residents’ well-being changes were linked to adaptation to the new urban context.
- Former agriculturalists reported a sharper happiness decline than non-agriculturalists.
- Original residents who perceived more social and esthetic value in green spaces reported happiness gains.
- Original residents rated ecological fairness lower than newcomers but economic fairness higher.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Nature-inclusive urban development showed mixed social effects
- Authors:
- Shuo Gao, Wenjing Zhang, Sophus O. S. E. zu Ermgassen, Joseph W. Bull, Thomas Pienkowski, Xiang Ao, Renlu Qiao, E. J. Milner-Gulland
- Institutions:
- Imperial College London, Science Oxford, Science Oxford, Science Oxford, Science Oxford, Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute, Tongji University, Tsinghua University, University of Kent, University of Oxford, University of Oxford, University of Science and Technology of China
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-07
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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