Linear Greenery in Urban Areas and Green Corridors Case Study: Blvd. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Blvd. Hristijan Todorovski Karposh, Skopje, North Macedonia

Abstract

Increasing population, expansion of urban areas and rapid urbanization are the main causes of losing green spaces, which results in many environmental problems and threatens the quality of urban life. Urban green spaces are of great importance and urban planning issues nowadays gain increasing popularity. It is realized that biological methodologies need to be used in urban planning, otherwise the quality of life will be more threatened. In order to discover the meaning and importance of green corridors in urban areas, a literature review was undertaken. Boulevards, as green corridors, are very important linear parts in the structures of dense modern cities. If planned and designed properly, they mitigate the negative effects of densely built urban environment. Green corridors provide numerous environmental benefits, they are an essential factor of sustainability and have a significant impact on biodiversity. Green corridors also provide social benefits, by enhancing well-being through contact with nature. They decrease health problems and improve the quality of life. The importance of urban green corridors was observed and presented on the example of Blvd. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Blvd. Hristijan Todorovski Karposh, which form an important ecological network in the northern part of Skopje, North Macedonia. The emphasis is on planning, designing and improving green corridors in urban areas like Skopje. Although these two boulevards are well designed as green corridors, with preserved old line greenery, planted with many different plant species (trees, shrubs, perennials), covered by grass, with bicycle and pedestrian paths, there is still potential for improvement. Linear parks on both sides of the new part of the Blvd. Hristijan Todorovski Karposh would be a great idea.