Measuring Human-Environment Interaction for Human Health in Lahore, Pakistan: Toward A Nature-based Solution

Green spaces provide a significant platform for urban residents to interact with nature. They have been known as an essential pillar of a sustainable urban environment. However, the distance between man and his natural nature is increasing continuously due to rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to air pollution, diminishing green spaces, and heightening the stress among big city dwellers. Lahore, a bustling metropolis, faces such challenges of unbalanced urban development conditions and natural environments, which are crucial for human health and well-being. Therefore, this study was organized to measure the efficiency of human–environment interaction for human health in Lahore and suggest a nature-based solution for urban planning and development. For this, a field survey was conducted, and 1050 residents of Lahore were examined using a questionnaire. After that, the study analyzed the role of nature in human health using regression analysis in MS Excel and SMART PLS. It was found that nature is significantly working as medicine for (Physical Well-Being; β = 0.817, R² = 0.668 at p < 0.000) and (Mental Well-being; β = 0.822, R² = 0.675 at p < 0.000) human health. The significant role of nature in green spaces was analyzed for visitors' physical and mental health. It was concluded that green spaces are significant platforms for the natural environment that provide a nature-based solution for human and environmental health. Ultimately, the findings of the study reinforce the critical necessity to preserve green spaces for nature-based solutions through future urban planning and development within accessible range.