Reframing Moscow’s Protected Green Areas - A Socio-Cultural Study of Urban Nature

This project is a comprehensive socio-cultural study of priority protected green areas in Moscow, conducted by LLC “CENTER LAB” and commissioned by the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization “Territorial Development Center ‘My District’.”

The initiative aims to analyze how natural areas are used, identify residents’ needs and expectations, and assess how the urban environment shapes quality of life. The methodology combines field research, in-depth interviews, surveys and analysis of the information landscape, including both international and Russian practices in managing green infrastructure.

Based on these insights, the study develops a structured set of recommendations – covering infrastructure, programming and socio-cultural positioning – to ensure the sustainable and balanced integration of natural areas into the urban environment.

Development Vision

The analysis defines a preferred scenario for the use of priority protected green areas, including:

• evolving demand for leisure and recreational infrastructure;
• recommendations for next-generation infrastructure formats;
• proposals for cultural and event programming.
  
  

Ketevan Khelaia

CEO of LLC “CENTER LAB”

The study of Moscow’s protected green areas is focused on identifying the unique characteristics and socio-cultural role of natural sites as part of the city’s ecological framework.
A critical aspect of this work is understanding how to balance the creation of a comfortable urban environment that meets user expectations with the preservation of biodiversity.
The resulting recommendations create a framework for professionals involved in planning and managing natural territories, enabling them to unlock the full potential of these spaces – from delivering high-quality ecosystem services to advancing environmental awareness.

Moscow – Pond on the Samorodinka River, Troparevsky Forest Park
Photo: Natalia Ilyukhina / Lori Photobank