Equity in green spaces: A spatial analysis of Sustainable Development Goal Target 11.7

The equitable distribution and accessibility of urban green spaces are crucial for promoting sustainable urban development and enhancing community well-being, as emphasized in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 11.7. This study assesses the achievement score of Target 11.7 at the ward level in Madurai City, with a focus on the impact of land use and population density. Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and GIS-based spatial analysis were utilized to delineate urban green space within a 500-meter radius of urban areas. The data regarding public parks were incorporated to evaluate spatial accessibility. The findings reveal distinctions in urban green space accessibility, with certain wards achieving high scores due to the availability of well- distributed parks and pedestrian areas. In contrast, others had lower scores, highlighting deficits in open spaces. Variations at the zonal level were apparent, underscoring disparities in urban infrastructure and land-use patterns around the city. The findings underscore the importance of integrating accessibility measures into urban planning to promote inclusivity and social equity. This research provides practical recommendations for policymakers to enhance access to urban green spaces, facilitating Madurai’s transition towards a more sustainable and habitable urban environment while addressing significant deficiencies in meeting SDG Target 11.7.