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Project title

Green and blue spaces and health: a health-led approach

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Maynooth University (MU)

Lead Applicant

Ronan Foley

Project Abstract

There are multiple lines of evidence showing that individuals and communities proximate to, and with access of, good quality environments have detectable health benefits. These benefits include stress reduction, higher levels of physical activity and better health perception. However, while the presence of green and blue infrastructure (GBI) has been shown to improve health outcomes, the literature lacks consensus as to the magnitude of effect GBI elements, such as parks, water bodies, etc., have on the health. Additionally, most research in this area appears to be �GBI led�, that is studies are performed where GBI data is available. This proposal is constructed from a health-led perspective, i.e. it seeks to examine the GBI/health interaction using sites of interest chosen based on existing health data, with subsequent characterisation of the GBI elements in these sites of interest. Drawing on international research and best practice, this research seeks to inform the discussion around environment and health by identifying areas of high and low reported health and then characterising the GBI elements of these areas, thereby identifying the elements and configurations of elements contributing these health outcomes. This proposal will produce a number of outputs. Firstly, it will build research capacity in the health/environment interface by fostering a strategically important relationship between key actors, in this case EPA, School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Policy UCD (GPEP), the All-Island Research Observatory (AIRO) and Centre Health Geoinformatics (CHG). It will inform urban design/planning policy through the identification of key green and blue infrastructure (GBI) elements associated with positive health statuses/outcomes. Secondly, it will produce at least one open access peer-reviewed publication and disseminate the project finding through international conference participation (International Symposium on Environment and Health). Additionally, each of the five Work Packages (WPs) will produce an output. These are WP1: an overview of the health/environment interface, identifying key GBI elements associated with positive health statuses/outcomes; WP2: a national coverage, fine-scale health database, combining open health data and health data from the project partners; WP3: New GIS data through the complete GIS characterisation of the GBI present in the project case study areas; WP4: Determination of the magnitude of associations of GBI elements with health outcomes; and WP5: the Final Project Report, dissemination 2-pager and stakeholder seminar.

Grant Approved

�73,357.22

Research Hub

Sustainability

Research Theme

Socio-Economic Considerations

Start Date

01/12/2016

Initial Projected Completion Date

30/11/2017