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Abstract:

Urban forests are important elements of the green infrastructure network. Cities are changing under economic development and the planning of open spaces is increasing in their complexity, with a wide range of land uses which need to be managed together. Urban forests are seen as strategic areas providing multiple benefits for the community and enhancing the quality of life. The present study evaluates the relation between structural connectivity of urban forests and urban planning, using seven Romanian cities as case studies. Spatial analysis allowed the evaluation of urban functions planned in the proximity of urban forests. We used data extracted from the master plans of cities, from their graphical and regulatory parts. In addition, we assessed structural connectivity by using landscape metrics such as the Proximity Index, Euclidean Nearest Neighbor and Percentage of the Landscape. We tested for differences in patch metrics values on groups of cities based on the Romanian urban hierarchy. Results highlighted two types of urban planning patterns in the proximity of urban forests: one with high percentages of built up space, especially residential areas (27.68% of the study area) and one characterized by open spaces where agricultural land (19.19%) is the most common type of land use. The assessment of structural connectivity revealed a statistically significant effect on the Proximity Index values by city rank. The group mean is higher for urban forests patches in cities having rank 0 and 2. Understanding the complex connections derived from the spatial configuration of urban functions, useful information in promoting the sustainable management of urban forests as part of the green infrastructure network is provided. Integration of urban forests management in urban planning remains an essential objective for achieving urban sustainability in Romania.