The Effects of Plant Diversity in Urban Living Spaces on Human Health and Well-Being

The rapidly growing population and intense urbanization have reduced the quantity and quality of green spaces in cities, making urban ecosystems fragile. This situation highlights the strategic importance of plant diversity for both ecological functions and human health and well-being. Evidence in the literature increasingly shows that elements of plant diversity, such as species richness and the balance between native and exotic species, improve the quality of the biophysical environment and also affect indicators such as psychological recovery and stress reduction. The World Health Organization and current international scientific studies emphasize that positive health effects are related not only to the presence of green spaces but also to their diversity and ecological integrity. Studies conducted in Turkey reveal significant differences in plant diversity from city to city, depending on regional climate, socioeconomic structure, and landscape management practices. National findings on the relationship between diversity levels and health indicators show that areas rich in plant diversity are considered more aesthetic, safer, and more peaceful by users, and that time spent in such areas significantly improves psychological well-being and increases physical activity. In this study, a systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA framework to comprehensively evaluate the relationship between plant diversity and human health in major cities of Turkey, considering ecological, psychological, and socio-cultural components.