REstorative GENder-specific ExpeRiences in urbAn naTural Environments

ongoing

REGENERATE explores gender differences in how urban natural environments (UNE, comprising parks, seaside, and other green and blue spaces in cities) can support psychological restoration (i.e. recovery of depleted cognitive and psychophysiological resources, including recovery from psychological stress). It addresses challenges of urban sustainability, gender inequality, and poor mental health – all key for Europe and Horizon. The nature-health research field suggests that nature contact is restorative and promotes long-term health benefits. However, to date nature-health theories and evidence tend to lack a gender focus. This is despite women are up to seven times more likely than men to report depression. Regenerate explores how restorative benefits of UNE can be affected by gender (e.g. socio-cultural norms, attitudes, and behaviours), due to gender roles and relations (e.g. childcare responsibilities), gender stereotypes (i.e. what is socio-culturally appropriate for women) and sex-related biological attributes (i.e. needs to use restroom more often than men) – thus addressing a key theoretical and empirical blind spot. Specific objectives include i. reviewing evidence and identify factors affecting women’s nature-health restorative pathways in UNE, ii. exploring gender-specific experiences in UNE and related long-term restorative benefits, and iii. integrate findings into policy. The methodology includes a review of the evidence and analyses of secondary data on nature-health from four European countries representing diverse European regions. Results then inform real-world policy. REGENERATE contributes to policies for healthy, gender inclusive, and sustainable cities (SDG3 Good Health & Wellbeing, SDG5 Gender Equality, SDG11 Sustainable Cities and Communities). It contributes to making cities good for all, guided by the feminist urbanism principle that if public spaces are good for women, they will be good enough for everyone.