Greenbelt
Field(s):
Community Development, Environmental Planning, Hazard Mitigation and Disaster Recovery, Housing Planning, Land Use & Law , Rural and Agricultural Planning, Urban Design, Economic Development
Region of Focus:
General
A greenbelt is a designated area of open land, often surrounding or within a city, where development is restricted to preserve natural landscapes, agricultural land, and ecological systems. Greenbelts are used to control urban sprawl, protect biodiversity, and provide recreational spaces for residents. They also help maintain clear boundaries between urban and rural areas, promoting compact and sustainable urban growth.
Greenbelts can also enhance air and water quality, mitigate climate change impacts, and contribute to the overall quality of life in urban areas. Examples include the London Green Belt and the Ottawa Greenbelt, which have become models for balancing urban development and environmental conservation.
Last update:
April 16, 2025
Developed by:
The Urban Lexis Editorial Team
Contributor(s):
With support from:
ChatGPT (by OpenAI) and DeepSeek
We acknowledge the assistance of AI tools in helping draft content. Final edits, fact-checking, and curatorial decisions were made by the Urban Lexis Editorial Team to ensure quality and relevance for our planning community.