Planning of green infrastructure A survey on the views and preferences of local residents in Tallinn and Helsinki on urban green infrastructure planning

A 2021 survey of 1,269 residents in Helsinki and Tallinn reveals a strong preference for urban nature that reduces pollution and provides animal habitats, with trees being the most desired natural element. While residents value green spaces for relaxation and health, they express concerns over antisocial behavior and the loss of 'wild' nature to urban development. The report highlights a gap in participatory planning, with residents favoring 3D/VR tools and direct engagement with planners over peer interaction. Specific area analysis shows high usage of nature-rich zones like Mustikkamaa in Helsinki and Merimetsa in Tallinn for recreation and commuting.

• Residents in both Helsinki and Tallinn highly value urban nature for its environmental and health benefits, specifically for decreasing air and water pollution, providing habitats for nature, and offering places for relaxation. Conversely, the least valued benefits are the increase in economic value and competitiveness of the area and the ability to make new connections with neighbors.
• Concerns regarding isolated or less maintained green areas in both cities are primarily driven by antisocial behavior and the risk of crime. Respondents suggested alleviating these issues through better signage, lighting, more trashcans, and increased policing and education. There is also a shared concern that 'wild' nature is being replaced by manicured parks or infill building, with Tallinn residents specifically noting that cars are prioritized in planning.
• Trees are the most preferred new urban nature element in both cities. However, preferences diverge for other elements: native grass meadows are highly preferred in Tallinn but ranked second-to-last in Helsinki, while green roofs are the least preferred in Tallinn but the third most preferred in Helsinki.
• There is significant dissatisfaction with current urban planning participation. Approximately 50% of respondents either disagreed that their city promotes participation opportunities or had no information, and over half felt that planning processes do not account for diverse opinions.
• Residents prefer high-tech or direct-impact participation methods over social interaction. The most popular methods include 3D and virtual reality tools, walks with planners, local project budgeting, and resident panels, while virtual or in-person interaction with other residents was the least attractive option.
• In Helsinki's Kalasatama area, the most popular destinations for exercise and relaxation are Mustikkamaa, Hermanni coastal park (Hermannin rantapuisto), and Vallilanlaakso. The Kallio-Sörnäinen-Vallila area is primarily used for its urban amenities, such as restaurants and bars.
• In Tallinn, the Pollinator Highway and its surroundings are primarily used for walking, sports/exercise, and commuting to work or school. The most popular destinations include Kopli kaubajaam (specifically Telliskivi and Baltijaam), Pelgulinn, and Merimetsa, the latter being highly valued for recreation and as a cycling passage.

APA

Stockholm Environment Institute (2021). Planning of green infrastructure A survey on the views and preferences of local residents in Tallinn and Helsinki on urban green infrastructure planning. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/d2.2.2-residents-survey.pdf

Chicago

Stockholm Environment Institute. Planning of green infrastructure A survey on the views and preferences of local residents in Tallinn and Helsinki on urban green infrastructure planning. 2021. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/d2.2.2-residents-survey.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Stockholm Environment Institute |title=Planning of green infrastructure A survey on the views and preferences of local residents in Tallinn and Helsinki on urban green infrastructure planning |date=May 2021 |url=https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/d2.2.2-residents-survey.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{stockholmenvironmentinstitute2021planning, author = {{Stockholm Environment Institute}}, title = {{Planning of green infrastructure A survey on the views and preferences of local residents in Tallinn and Helsinki on urban green infrastructure planning}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2021}, month = may, url = {https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/d2.2.2-residents-survey.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }