Urban green spaces: lessons from COVID-19 for future public health crises

The COVID-19 pandemic constituted a global socioeconomic crisis with long-lasting consequences. In response to the rapid spread of the virus, governments implemented containment measures such as social distancing, mask mandates, and mobility restrictions, which also affected access to urban green spaces (UGS). This systematic review aimed to identify key lessons from the pandemic regarding the role of UGS during public health crises. The analysis included 155 studies published between 2020 and 2025, grouped into four main research domains: visitation patterns (n=88), planning and management of UGS (n=15), associations with viral transmission (n=11), and health benefits (n=41). The findings indicated substantial geographical disparities in scientific production and showed that the pandemic reshaped UGS visitation patterns, with proximity to residential areas becoming an important determinant of outdoor activities such as physical exercise and recreation. The literature also revealed persistent inequalities in access to urban nature, particularly among low-income communities, ethnic minorities, and other socially vulnerable groups. Drawing on different forms of evidence, five policy recommendations emerge: i) ensuring equitable access to UGS; ii) improving their quality and spatial distribution; iii) integrating UGS into emergency preparedness strategies; iv) implementing context-sensitive visitation and management protocols; and v) actively supporting health-promoting behaviors compatible with safe use of green environments. The applicability of these lessons to future crises will depend on pathogen characteristics, transmission routes, urban form, restriction policies, and governance capacity. The findings reinforce that equitable access to high-quality UGS should be recognized as a strategic priority for urban governance and public health resilience.