oa The importance of ‘connected green spaces’ in maintaining a successful urban ecology

The Qatar National Development Framework 2032 outlines the need for enforcing a green belt around the city of Doha to limit urban sprawl and to create a transition zone from the urban to the natural desert environment. Green spaces have been shown to positively affect physical and mental human health mainly by creating opportunities for active living, improving air quality, as well as lowering temperature and runoff. Connected green spaces (CGSs) may offer greater benefits since a network of green spaces may provide a broader range of essential ecological functions and support a wealthier biodiversity. Here, we explore the planning aspect and form of CGSs, specifically applied to Doha city. First, we put forward the practical and achievable shapes of CGSs and linking corridors. We then present the feasibility of CGSs in arid regions, including the use of treated sewage effluent for irrigation to conserve resources, the need for the selection of native flora and fauna species to sustain connectivity between the built and the natural desert environment, as well as issues of invasive species and pest control. Al Garrafa area will be used as a case study to identify the potential for CGSs in Doha.