Have you experienced the feeling of wanting to escape the city and take a weekend getaway to nature? The truth is that this is an increasingly common feeling, because, according to ISGlobal, 62% of the European population lives in areas with fewer green spaces than those recommended by the World Health Organization (that measure at least 0. 5 hectares and that they are at a distance from each home of a maximum of 300 meters in a straight line). As a result, most of the inhabitants are concentrated in urban centers, a jungle of asphalt that is often suffocating for the citizens themselves. In this context, green spaces are positioned as essential elements in cities , since the renaturalization of the latter is especially important for the health of their residents, both physical and mental. In fact, the Greening Cities report. Urban spaces and their impact on health and well-being , from Greenpeace, concludes that living in urban green areas reduces the risk of suffering from psychological disorders and diseases such as depression, anxiety, diabetes, obesity or cardiovascular conditions, as well as as an aid to recovery from surgery and contributes to a reduction in hospitalization and premature mortality.
Thinking about this need to offer well-being to the population, the 3 30 300 rule emerged . But do you know what exactly it consists of? Below, we explain what it is and what benefits it brings. CTA Post What is the 3 30 300 rule? Recognizing this urgency to modernize and green cities, as well as improve the well-being of their inhabitants, Cecil Konijnendijk, a Dutch urban forester and director of the Institute for Nature-Based Solutions at the University of British Europe Mobile Number List Columbia, thought of the rule 3 30 300 , minimum requirements for green areas in cities. Specifically, the 3 30 300 rule refers to the following: 3 trees near each home . Citizens must be able to see them from home. 30% of vegetation cover or tree canopy in each neighborhood or neighborhood . It means better microclimates and a reduction in air and noise. In addition, it encourages wanting to spend more time outdoors, which helps with socialization and physical health. 300 meters close and easy access to green spaces for recreational use. As we have already mentioned, the WHO recommends that there be a maximum distance of 300 meters in a straight line to the nearest green space.
What are the benefits of living in an environment that complies with the 3 30 300 rule? The main benefits of the 3 30 300 rule and being in contact with nature are mainly related to environmental well-being and improved health , especially mental health. This is corroborated by experts from the Barcelona Institute for Global Health in a study published in the journal Environmental Research. In this sense, below we provide you with some of the reasons why the WHO advises that in large cities one of the three requirements of the 3 30 300 rule be met to improve the lives of citizens: Improves mental health. Being close to green spaces improves emotional well-being and minimizes the risk of suffering from diseases such as depression or anxiety. In addition, it increases brain development and cognitive health, which reduces the risk of emotional problems, and helps increase attention and concentration, as well as reduce mental fatigue. Contributes to better physical health. Living near green areas means less exposure to pollution, encourages practicing outdoor sports and improves social life.